Emma Raducanu began her Wimbledon preparations with a promising straight-set victory over Anna Blinkova in a rain-disrupted match at Queen’s.
British number one Raducanu was dominant for most of the contest, winning the first eight games without reply before going on to complete a 6-0 6-3 victory over the Russian qualifier.
It was the 23-year-old’s first win since 6 March, when she beat qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in the Indian Wells first round.
Raducanu’s season has since been disrupted by a post-viral illness that kept her off the WTA Tour for more than two months, and she lost her only two matches on clay on her return – in Strasbourg and at the French Open.
But Raducanu appeared comfortable as she opened her grass-court season in London – and delighted to be competing in front of her home support.
“I’m so happy to have come through that match. To be back here playing at Queen’s… I haven’t actually won a match for a few months and there isn’t a place I would rather have done it. I’m really grateful for all the support,” Raducanu told the crowd.
“I have people who mean a lot around me. I’m doing the best I can each day. Being part of the atmosphere is something that I really enjoy – I don’t see it as added pressure, I really thrive off it. I’m just happy to be back.”