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Emma Raducanu made a winning return at the Auckland Classic in her first match after eight months out with injury.<\/span><\/p>\n The Briton started strongly but had to fight through a tense deciding set to win 6-3 4-6 7-5 against world number 134 Elena-Gabriela Ruse.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Raducanu led 5-2 before twice failing to serve out the match and missing two match points on Ruse’s serve.<\/span><\/p>\n But the 21-year-old broke again for a 6-5 lead and eventually closed out the match on her fourth match point.<\/span><\/p>\n After the final point the 2021 US Open champion, who needed a wildcard to enter the tournament having dropped to 301 in the rankings, covered her face with her hand in a celebration mixed with pleasure and relief.<\/span><\/p>\n The tougher test of second seed Elina Svitolina awaits in the second round.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus, but I’m grateful to be healthy, grateful to be able to move my body, not bed-ridden and in a wheelchair,” Raducanu said. <\/span><\/p>\n “I can’t wait to be out here, start this season and be happy and healthy.”<\/span><\/p>\n Raducanu had surgery on both wrists and her left ankle in May and played just nine matches in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n More to follow<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n