This video can not be played 'It meant a lot to me' - Raducanu emotional after beating Li An emotional Emma Raducanu produced an impressive fightback to reach the second round at Eastbourne and keep her Wimbledon preparations on track. British number one Raducanu trailed American Ann Li by a set and a break in difficult conditions on the south coast. But the 22-year-old wrestled control of a topsy-turvy second set before finishing strongly to clinch a 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-1 victory. Raducanu, who held back tears after securing victory, will meet Australian teenager Maya Joint for a place in the quarter-finals. "I want to thank the crowd for getting me through some really sticky moments," Raducanu said in her on-court interview. "It really meant a lot to me and I'm really proud of how I fought back after losing the first set. "It was tough, it was up and down. But from the middle of the second set I think I found another gear and another level." World number 38 Raducanu is building towards her fourth Wimbledon appearance, where she has twice reached the fourth round since her debut in 2021. A run to the quarter-finals at Queen's was enough to see the 2021 US Open champion regain the British number one title for the first time in two years earlier this month. But Raducanu missed last week's Berlin Open as she continues to manage a back issue - and, a fortnight on from Queen's, she was given a stern test by 64th-ranked Li amid strong winds on the south coast. Despite recovering from a 3-0 deficit in the first set, Raducanu fell short in a tie-break which she had led 5-3 and had to stretch out her leg after slipping at the back of court in the 11th game. Emma Raducanu reached the quarter-finals at Eastbourne last year Li, 24, appeared to have maintained her momentum when she secured an immediate break of serve at the start of set two, only to gift her opponent the initiative in the next game. An unpredictable set continued as, having saved four break points, Raducanu took her opportunity to move 4-2 ahead - and then restored her advantage at 5-3 following another exchange of breaks. That proved the catalyst for Raducanu's excellent finish to the match, winning 10 of the last 12 games to blow her opponent away and complete victory in two hours and 18 minutes. Raducanu will play Joint as the countdown to Wimbledon - which begins on 30 June - continues.
Emotional Raducanu battles into Eastbourne second round
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"Emma Raducanu Advances to Second Round at Eastbourne Tournament"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu showcased her resilience and determination as she fought back to secure a place in the second round of the Eastbourne tournament, an important part of her preparations for Wimbledon. Facing American Ann Li, Raducanu found herself in a challenging position, trailing by a set and a break in tough wind conditions. However, the British number one rallied her spirits, taking control of the match in the second set. After losing the first set in a tie-break, Raducanu turned the match around, ultimately winning with a scoreline of 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-1. The match lasted for two hours and 18 minutes, during which Raducanu exhibited her fighting spirit, particularly after enduring a slip that raised concerns about her fitness following a back issue that had previously sidelined her from the Berlin Open.
In her post-match interview, Raducanu expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support during the match, emphasizing how pivotal their encouragement was in helping her navigate through tough moments. She acknowledged the emotional weight of the victory, stating, "It really meant a lot to me and I'm really proud of how I fought back after losing the first set." As she prepares for her upcoming match against Australian teenager Maya Joint, Raducanu is building momentum towards her fourth Wimbledon appearance, where she has previously reached the fourth round. Her recent success at Queen's, where she made it to the quarter-finals, has reignited her status as the British number one for the first time in two years. The match at Eastbourne served as a crucial stepping stone in her journey, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity and maintain focus as the prestigious Wimbledon tournament approaches on June 30.
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