Jet-Lag Can't Stop Raducanu: Triumphs Over Mertens.

Posted 2 months ago

Emma Raducanu battled jet-lag to win her opening round at the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington, defeating Elise Mertens in three sets: 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

In her first match since her Wimbledon last-16 loss, 21-year-old Emma Raducanu won five straight games to take the first set against eighth-seeded Elise Mertens.

Mertens fought back to claim the second set. Despite arriving from the UK on Thursday and battling a five-hour time difference, Raducanu showed resilience.

Playing past 11 PM, she saved five break points to win the final set, defeating Mertens for the second time this month.

"I played well in patches, especially in the first set and moments in the third," Raducanu said. "I lost focus in the second set. It's tough playing at 11:30 PM, especially with jet-lag. I kept telling myself, 'You're not losing this match.'"

Raducanu, still on the mend from ankle and wrist surgery, made a bold decision to skip the 2024 Olympics.

Prioritizing her recovery and the upcoming hard court season, she chose not to switch back to playing on clay. This strategic move highlights her determination to make a strong comeback on her preferred surface.

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