Emma Raducanu dominates Anna Blinkova in straight-sets Queen’s win
Emma Raducanu has progressed to the second round of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club after securing a commanding 6-0 6-3 victory over Anna Blinkova.
The British No 1 dazzled a packed London crowd to wrap up a flawless opening set in just 20 minutes.
Dropping a mere six points during that initial period, the 2021 US Open champion struck 12 clean winners to immediately overwhelm her opponent.
Reunion with Richardson pays dividends
The impressive performance marked a welcome return to winning ways for the home favourite, who arrived at the grass-court tournament having not won a match in several months.
She appeared visibly happier on court under the watchful eye of coach Andrew Richardson.
The pair recently reunited ahead of the Wimbledon campaign, hoping to recreate the magic that propelled them to Grand Slam glory in New York.
Blinkova fights back but falls short
Despite the early onslaught, her Russian counterpart refused to capitulate and mounted a spirited second-set resistance.
An expertly executed volleyed drop-shot helped Blinkova claim her first game of the afternoon following an early break.
A momentary lapse in concentration then saw the British star produce three consecutive double faults, allowing the set to be levelled at 3-3.
However, the 23-year-old maintained her composure under mounting pressure to secure a decisive break for a 4-3 lead.
She confidently served out the remainder of the contest to book a safe passage into the next stage of the prestigious warm-up event.
‘No place I would rather have done it’
I’m so happy to have come through that match, and to be back here playing at Queen’s.
I haven’t won a match for a few months and there’s no place I would rather have done it.
I have a lot of people who mean a lot around me – I’m doing my best each day.
Being a part of the atmosphere is something I really enjoy – I don’t find it to be negative pressure, I really buzz off it and enjoy it.
