Emma Raducanu made an impressive debut at the China Open with a solid 6-3, 6-3 victory over Cristina Bucsa in Beijing. The former US Open champion, who has ties to China through her mother, showcased her strong serving ability by saving seven out of eight break points during the match. This win propels Raducanu into a third-round faceoff with the tournament’s No. 4 seed, Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu’s performance marked her first main-draw match win at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, which she achieved in just under an hour and 40 minutes. Throughout the match, Raducanu demonstrated her resilience by dropping serve just once and utilizing a dominant first set to seize control. She notably won five consecutive games from 3-3 to clinch the first set, asserting her momentum.
This match continues the season’s rivalry between Raducanu and Bucsa, as they’ve faced off three times this year. With this victory, Raducanu leads their head-to-head series 2-1. During the match, Raducanu served five aces, winning 71% of her first-serve points and 50% of her second-serve points, showcasing her improved serve strategy.
Emma Raducanu’s record against players ranked below No. 50 in the PIF WTA Rankings has been outstanding, with this latest win taking her score to 14-3 for the year. Additionally, she has now won her first match in 14 consecutive tournaments, highlighting her consistent form and determination.
Despite Bucsa’s high first-serve percentage, particularly in the first set, Raducanu capitalized on her opponent’s weaker second serves, winning an impressive 15 out of 18 points. As Raducanu looks ahead to her match against Pegula, her tenacity and strategic play could be crucial in navigating the tournament’s later stages.
Emma Raducanu’s win in Beijing not only signifies a strong start at the China Open but also serves as an indication of her growing confidence and skill on the court. Her remarkable combination of heritage pride and competitive spirit strongly demonstrates her potential for further success in the tournament.