Emma Raducanu sweeps aside Anna Blinkova in dominant straight-sets Queen’s win
Emma Raducanu has secured a comprehensive 6-0 6-3 victory over Anna Blinkova in the first round of the LTA’s HSBC Championships at Queen’s.
The 2021 US Open champion required just one hour to dismantle her Russian opponent despite an early rain delay.
It marks a crucial return to winning ways for the British number one, who had not recorded a victory since the Indian Wells Open in March.
Reuniting with a familiar face
The impressive performance coincides with her decision to reunite with coach Andrew Richardson.
Richardson famously guided the young star to her historic maiden Grand Slam triumph at Flushing Meadows five years ago.
This renewed partnership appeared to yield immediate dividends as she raced into an early 3-0 lead.
Imperious forehand dictates play
A brief suspension in play due to rain did little to disrupt the home favourite’s momentum.
Once the weather cleared, the lightning-fast baseliner resumed her dominance to seal the opening set in a mere 20 minutes.
A formidable forehand proved to be her most potent weapon, helping her win 25 points to her opponent’s six in the first set.
“I started extremely well, and despite not having played a lot of matches, I was really pleased with how I came out and I was playing very free.”
“I was feeding off of the atmosphere, and it felt free, it felt clear, and with a lot of clarity. I was not necessarily thinking too much or trying to do too much.”
Overcoming a second-set stumble
The qualifier finally found her footing in the second set, capitalising on three consecutive double faults to level the score at 3-3.
However, the home crowd soon rallied behind their quarter-finalist from last year.
She immediately elevated her game, rattling off the final three games and securing the match with a sensational backhand winner down the line.
“It felt really good to be back out playing on a home court in front of the fans. I’m really proud of my performance today.”
The revitalised star will now face Sorana Cirstea in the second round.
