Emma Raducanu storms past Sanders to secure first career WTA tour clay victory

Emma Raducanu now holds a 2-1 win-loss record in professional tennis on clay courts after advancing to the second round of the WTA 500 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

She downed Australian world number 197 qualifier Storm Sanders 6-1, 6-2 in a little over an hour to secure her first WTA tour victory on clay.

It is also the Brit’s first career victory at WTA 500 level, come at the third time of asking after appearances in San Jose last year and Sydney this season.

The win comes after Raducanu won one and lost one singles match in Team Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier tie against the Czech Republic last week.

In her post-match interview, the world number 12 was asked watch she tough about adjusting to the clay.

She responded: “The duration of the points [is really a challenge for me].

“That’s something that I need to work on as I spend more time on clay and improve my craftiness and variety of shot.

“So I’m just looking forward to spending more time on this surface.”

After the win she told WTA Insider she was really happy with how she is developing her game on clay.

She said, laughing: “This time last week I was practising in Prague and I genuinely didn’t know how to move.

“The fitness trainer was teaching me how to slide using a medicine ball.

“So I’m really pleased with how I’ve improved in a week.”

Next up the eight seed faces home talent Tamara Korpatsch after the German lucky loser defeated Camila Giorgi in her main draw first round match.

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