Emma Raducanu makes perfect start to grass season with victory over qualifier Anna Blinkova at Queen's - 'I love playing here'

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Emma Raducanu made the perfect start to her grass season as she beat qualifier Anna Blinkova in straight sets at Queen’s.

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British No. 1 Raducanu, playing just her third match since the start of March after battling a post-viral illness, cruised through 6-1 6-3 in just 60 minutes on Andy Murray Arena.

The former US Open champion broke serve six times against the 105th-ranked Blinkova as she recorded just her eighth victory of the WTA Tour season.

”I am so happy to have come through that match and to be back playing at Queen’s," said Raducanu.

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"I haven’t won a match for a few months and there is no place I’d rather have done it.

”I have people who mean a lot around me and I am doing the best I can each day. Being a part of the atmosphere is something that I really enjoy.

”I don’t see it as negative pressure, I really thrive off it, I love playing here and I am happy to be back.”

Raducanu, who plays doubles later on Tuesday with fellow Brit Katie Boulter, faces Sorana Cirstea in the next round after she beat Maddison Inglis in three sets.

This was a welcome return to form for Raducanu, whose last victory was at Indian Wells on March 6.

After that tournament she had 10 weeks away from the tour due to a post-viral illness, and on her return lost both her clay matches in straight sets.

But with Andrew Richardson, the coach who helped guide her to US Open glory in 2021, back in her box, she showed positive signs of attacking intent against Blinkova.

After rain delayed the start of play, Raducanu wasted no time in claiming the first set in just 20 minutes, winning 25 of the 31 points played.

Blinkova got on the scoreboard when she broke early in the second set, but Raducanu hit straight back, firing a forehand winner into the corner to break in the next game to lead 3-1.

Blinkova recovered the break again as Raducanu double-faulted, and then held for the first time to get on level terms.

But Raducanu moved closer to the finish line as a net cord took a passing shot over Blinkova’s racquet to make it 5-3. Raducanu then closed the victory out with a backhand winner.

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