Emma Raducanu wins in straight sets to signal her comeback to Grand Slam play

Emma Raducanu made her Grand Slam comeback on Tuesday, defeating Shelby Rogers of the United States 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open.

Raducanu, who missed much of 2023 due to injury, was only allowed entrance into the Australian Open main event because American player Lauren Davis withdrew due to injury.

The 21-year-old defeated Rogers in just 76 minutes, securing a second round match against China’s Wang Yafan on Thursday.

Cameron Norrie, the British No. 1, advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas.

Norrie entered the event with injury worries after withdrawing from the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month due to a wrist condition. However, the 19th seed appeared unconcerned on 1573 Court against the 81st-ranked Varillas.

His rhythm improved throughout the game, and he led 5-1 in the second set after winning the first. Varillas battled back to capture the next three games, but Norrie held on to win the set and eventually the match.

Meanwhile, British No. 2 Dan Evans was eliminated in the first round after losing 4-6, 7-6 (10-8), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

Evans claimed the opening set in this dramatic match, but Sonego dug deep to win the second set following an 18-point tiebreak before easily winning the third. Evans miraculously survived seven break points in the fourth set to force a tiebreak, but Sonego finally won to go to the second round.

Evans’ compatriot, 21-year-old Jack Draper, defeated American player Marcos Giron 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 in a difficult three-hour and 20-minute battle.

Draper battled with his fitness throughout the game, and he had to contact the physio during the second set to have his blood pressure taken. After the game, he dashed off to vomit in a courtside trashcan.

“It was weird,” Draper told reporters after the game.

“I certainly played such a long point; perhaps it was a reaction to eventually crossing the line. I do not know.

“I felt horrible because I obviously had just beaten the man, and I was saying, ‘I need to shake your hand, friend, but I need to get to that bin.’

“I don’t really do that often, but it was a reaction.”