Raducanu fights through 'absolute battle', debut win completes Slam set

Emma Raducanu fights through ‘absolute battle’ for debut Roland Garros win, completes Slam quartet

Emma Raducanu recovered from a set down today to win on her senior Roland Garros debut.

The 19-year-old took on an even younger opponent in Czech qualifier Linda Noskova, 17, defeating her 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 6-1.

The victory means that Raducanu has now won on her main draw debut at each of the four Majors.

She said of the contest: “It was an absolute battle.

“I have to say Linda (Noskova) is playing some amazing tennis and she really came out firing.

“I’m really proud of the way I fought.”

Raducanu was a break down twice in the second set but immediately broke back on both occasions before clinching a third break to level the match.

She eventually closed the tie after two hours and 40 minutes on court, jokingly apologising to the Court Simonne-Mathieu crowd afterwards.

The Brit said: “I’m sorry that the match took so long, I know you want to see Benoit!”

World number 79 and home talent Benoit Paire was scheduled next on court to take on Ilya Ivashka.

Finally, Raducanu was asked what her goals were for the remainder of Roland Garros.

She responded: “Honestly I have no expectations of myself.

“i’m just really happy to be able to compete here after Rome.

“I’m just looking forward to trying to stay as long as possible really.”

The world number 12 will take Aliaksandra Sasnovich next in a rematch of their second round encounter at lndian Wells last year.

Sasnovich defeated Raducanu 6-2, 6-4 that day in the US Open champion’s first match after her New York triumph.