JOY FOR EMMA

Injury-free Raducanu is back with a win in preparation for Australian Open

- Yasmin Syed

EMMA RADUCANU marked her long-awaited return from injury with a gutsy three-set win and then declared that going back on court was better than being "bedridden or in a wheelchair".

She saw off her good friend, world No.134 Elena-Gabriela Ruse, 6-3 4-6 7-5 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand in her first match since April.

Raducanu's 2023 season was cut short by three operations on both her wrists and left ankle.

And the world No.301 conceded the winning feeling was a stark contrast to the long road to recovery she has had to endure.

"It is difficult after having such a long hiatus but I'm grateful to be healthy. I'm grateful to be able to move my body, not be bedridden or in a wheelchair," said the 21-year-old from Bromley.