Emma Raducanu has opened up on her injury hell after beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 7-3, 4-6, 7-5 in Auckland.
The Briton was making her first appearance since last April, having been forced to miss most of 2023.
Raducanu didn't seem too rusty, however, and impressed as she beat her close friend on her return to action.
And the 21-year-old has now candidly admitted she was happy to be back on the court - instead of being in a wheelchair or being 'bedridden'.
Emma Raducanu has opened up after beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse in Auckland
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"It’s 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 like bedridden or in a wheelchair," the 2021 US Open champion said.
"So it’s pretty amazing to be just out here and playing and I’m just pretty happy to be out here on the tour and can’t wait to start the season and carry on hopefully injury-free and healthy."
Raducanu has dropped to 301st in the world amid her lengthy spell on the sidelines.
It took her just 37 minutes to win the first set.
However, she was pegged back by Ruse in the second set - with her opponent managing to turn things around to draw level.
Raducanu needed three match points to see off Ruse.
But she sent a message to her fans after the win and admitted she was grateful for their support.
“Thank you to everyone for coming out and staying late and cold, I really appreciate the support throughout,” added Raducanu.
“It was a match with ups and downs and always difficult playing a friend in Gabi.
“I love being back in Auckland, I’m having a blast so far, so thank you and see you in the next round.”
Before her win, Raducanu had claimed she felt 'reborn' after struggling with injuries for so long.
It's been a difficult road for the youngster, who has been unable to add to her single Grand Slam triumph so far.
But Raducanu is delighted at being able to move on.
"I feel reborn in a way. I feel fresh, I feel ready, I feel happy and I feel excited," she said.
"Overall, I'm feeling positive and lighter.
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Emma Raducanu is happy to be back on a tennis court after her victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse
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"I think that for two years after the US Open I felt maybe a bit more weight on my shoulders, but now I feel completely fresh."
Next up for Raducanu is a clash with Elina Svitolina on Wednesday.
Svitolina beat Caroline Wozniacki earlier on Tuesday.
And the Ukrainian has shed light on a new tattoo, saying: "I begin the year with a significant tattoo.
"This written symbol ‘Ï’ possesses crucial meaning to Ukraine, acts as a charm for Ukrainian prosperity and represents the idea of Ukrainian independence.
Tennis star Emma Raducanu will lock horns with Elina Svitolina in the next round of the competition
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"Additionally, the name of my daughter Skaï incorporates this symbol, thereby enhancing the strength it holds."
