Emma Raducanu sends message to critics like Martina Navratilova with Korea Open victory
Emma Raducanu emerged victorious after a gruelling match against Peyton Stearns in the first round of the Korea Open to send a message to her critics.
Raducanu was taking part in her first match since crashing out of the US Open after the first round.
It led to several former players and pundits criticising her, including 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova, who insisted she must 'take ownership' of her career.
Well, Raducanu did exactly that on Tuesday with an epic first-round 7-6(4) 7-6(5) win at the Korea Open that lasted two hours and 46 minutes.
Emma Raducanu was forced to work hard for her first-round win at the Korea Open
Sky Sports
"It was tough, it was very humid, the balls were bouncing around a lot," the 21-year-old said after.
"It was a tough match to get through. I haven’t played many matches in the last few months and Peyton, she’s a really good player in really good form so I’m pretty pleased.
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"I really love playing here in Seoul and I missed it last year but one of the tournaments that I really want come back to and I actually think it gave me some fuel to fight in that match just so I can play another match in front of you guys."
Raducanu had to dig deep for victory though against her American opponent in a contest that included 12 breaks of serve.
Having led the first set 4-1, the Briton could not close it out as she went on to lose four games in a row.
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She also missed two set points before claiming it on a tie-break while the second set had similar problems before going the distance again and winning the contest.
Raducanu had a tough time at the US Open last month after crashing out to Sofia Kenin in the first round.
It left the 2021 US Open winner in tears in her post-match interview while Sky Sports pundit Navratilova spared no prisoners.
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"I think Emma needs to take ownership of herself, of her brand, and of her tennis career most of all," she said.
"She needs to be clear who her team is, what her goal is and not let herself off the hook.
Emma Raducanu will take on Chinese eighth seed Yuan Yue in the second round
Sky Sports
"Aryna Sabalenka, when she had problems with her serve and everybody was trying to help her, she took ownership of it and fixed it herself.
"Emma needs to be in charge and she's old enough to know what she should be doing - surround herself with good people and then trust in them, and give it time so that you can see the results."
Raducanu's victory will see her face Chinese eighth seed Yuan Yue in the second round.