By Ros Satar
- Emma Raducanu [WC] v Elena-Gabriela Ruse [Q]
- First Meeting
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Emma Raducanu makes her return to the WTA Tour and faces Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her opener.
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Emma Raducanu [WC] v Elena-Gabriela Ruse [Q]
Last year, a rolled ankle in a match moved inside because of the inclement weather was the start of Emma Raducanu’s mounting injury woes. So perhaps she needs to start praying for good weather.
A torrid year saw her endure two wrist and one ankle surgery, and the route to her comeback might not have been the best as she pulled out of an exhibition at the end of the year, so all eyes will be on her as she takes to the court again.
H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Emma Raducanu [WC] v Elena-Gabriela Ruse [Q] | H2H: First Meeting |
| WTA Auckland | New Zealand |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $2890 |
| Fourth on Stadium, not before 5:30pm (4:30am GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
She will be up against Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who comes to this match a little sharper for having come through qualifying.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Emma Raducanu (WR 301) | Elena-Gabriela Ruse (WR 134) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2023) | R2 (2023) |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 34.5 | 39.8 |
| Return Points Won % | 42.6 | 46.9 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 37.3 | 52.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61 | 58.9 |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 60.9 | 59.8 |
The pair are quite closely matched given Raducanu’s curtailed year but a lot will depend on how quickly the Brit can shake the rust off. She was stronger last year in getting herself out of trouble when facing break points.
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Playing Styles & Prediction
Raducanu will be facing a friend in Ruse, and they played together at an exhibition in the Royal Albert Hall. Ruse has shown that she can step up to bigger players, but at times has had struggled to get over the line, but the chance to play. Big name and score a quick victory will be enticing.
Raducanu has the game to beat Ruse, but a lot will depend on how much she trusts her injured wrists and ankle.
Prediction: Raducanu in three sets.
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