Photo: Getty Images
Emma Raducanu, once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in women's tennis, made a triumphant return on the grass courts of Eastbourne, UK. In a gripping match, Raducanu ousted the tournament favorite, Jessica Pegula, with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-5.
Raducanu's Remarkable Comeback
The match lasted for two hours and 45 minutes, showcasing some of the best grass-court tennis. Raducanu, who is currently ranked 168th in the WTA, displayed incredible resilience. After losing the first set, she faced a match point in the second set tiebreak but managed to turn the tables.
"I just kept fighting and believed in my game. It wasn't easy, but the support from the crowd really pushed me," said Raducanu.
Pegula's Missed Opportunities
Pegula, ranked 5th in the WTA, had previously defeated Raducanu in their only other meeting at Cincinnati 2022. She came into the match after a strong showing in Berlin. However, she couldn't capitalize on her opportunities, especially when she had a match point in the second set.
The Decisive Third Set
In the third set, Raducanu surged to a 5-2 lead, only to see Pegula claw back to 5-5. Raducanu then broke Pegula's serve and faced a daunting 0-40 on her serve but managed to save four break points and clinched the match on her first match point.
Looking Ahead
Raducanu will face Daria Kasatkina, the 14th seed, in the quarterfinals. Kasatkina overcame China's Yue Yuan with a comeback of her own, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. The tournament continues to see exciting matches, with Leylah Fernandez and Harriet Dart also advancing to the next round.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
Tennis
Anastasia Firman won her first doubles title at the ITF W15 KamenTennis
Lyudmila Kichenok and Alena Ostapenko are ready for the battle for the title at the WTA 500 in EastbourneTennis
Gael Monfils lost to Alejandro Tabilo in a dramatic semi-final in MallorcaTennis
Eight Ukrainian tennis players at Wimbledon: chances and challenges against the background of the warTennis
Wimbledon 2023: Djokovic's Bold Comeback and Alcaraz's Favorable DrawTennis
Dabrowski and Routliffe Triumph in Eastbourne Doubles SemifinalsTennis
Serhii Stakhovsky: From tennis to war - the path of the former number one racket of UkraineTennis
Eight Ukrainian tennis players at Wimbledon 2024: a historic moment for UkraineTennis
Serhii Stakhovsky: "Most Russian tennis players passively support the war in Ukraine"Tennis
Paula Badosa Falls Short in Bad Homburg QuarterfinalsTennis
Love on the Court: Tennis Power Couples at Wimbledon 2024Tennis
Alena Ostapenko ends her performance at the tournament in Eastbourne after a curious serveTennis
Shocking Double Fault by Jelena Ostapenko Stuns Tennis FansTennis
Bautista and Monfils Set for Thrilling Quarterfinal Clash at Mallorca ChampionshipsTennis
Daria Snigur made a triumphant start in qualifying for Wimbledon-2024Tennis
"Marta Kostyuk: From tennis courts to Vogue lenses"Tennis
Angelina Kalinina confidently starts the WTA 500 tournament in Eastbourne, defeating Soran KirstyaTennis
Iga Swiatek Dominates Women's Tennis Rankings Amidst StabilityTennis
Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon Comeback: Will the Knee Hold Up?Tennis
Andy Murray Withdraws from Wimbledon After Spinal Cyst SurgeryTennis
Zhinzhen Zhang Advances to Halle Semifinals, Set to Face World No. 1 Jannik SinnerTennis
Diego Forlan's Stunning Transition: From Football Legend to Tennis Contender