Emma Raducanu is looking somewhat like her old self once more, with the British ace having recently endured a very difficult time with injury.
The 21-year-old decided to skip the French Open in a bid to focus on getting back to full fitness, having undergone wrist and ankle surgery last year.
But she is now back on the court and importantly back winning games, with Raducanu into the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Open.
She certainly carried out fantastic preparation for the grass tournament, having practised with Ons Jabeur, who was full of praise for Raducanu after their time together.
The British star kicked the competition off with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Ena Shibahara, although she wasn’t happy with several decisions from the umpire during that clash.
Emma Raducanu learns lesson from Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka
But she prevailed nonetheless, and followed that win up with a 6-2, 6-2 success over Daria Snigur, with Raducanu really grateful for the support she received from the crowd during the match.
The former British number one is also happy with a major improvement in her game, having learned a crucial lesson after playing against star names Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
“I’m pleased for sure serving it out the first time,” said Raducanu, as quoted by Sky Sports. “I served really well throughout the whole match and it did make the match a bit easier.
“If I had just a second serve, it would have just been a nightmare to play her. I’ve been working on every part of my game but obviously the serve is very important.
“It’s just repetition and I’m pleased to see the rewards in competition. Especially what I’ve realised, playing the top opponents like Iga or Aryna, you need a first serve because they’re very comfortable holding serve.
“If you don’t have one yourself then it’s very difficult.”
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka setting the standards
There is perhaps no better role model than Swiatek at this moment in time, with the world number one at the very top of her game.
The Pole has just clinched her fifth career Grand Slam, having won the French Open for a third successive year.
Raducanu once felt her wrath at the Stuttgart Open in April, with Swiatek winning the quarter-final clash between the pair.
Sabalenka meanwhile is a two-time Grand Slam winner, and emerged victorious when she met Raducanu in their 2024 Indian Wells Open round of 32 clash in March.
Swiatek and Sabalenka are among the main forces to be reckoned with, with the duo certain to go the distance at Wimbledon.
A strong run at the Nottingham Open will, however, give Raducanu a great confidence boost ahead of her home major.
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