Emma Raducanu defiant ahead of Australian Open after loss to Elina Svitolina in Auckland – ‘Just the beginning’

The Brit was only making her second appearance on the court following an eight-month layoff and pushed Svitolina all the way, but suffered a 6-7(5) 7-6(3) 6-1 defeat.

Despite missing an opportunity to reach the ASB Classic quarter-finals, the 21-year-old was defiant and pleased with her performances on her return to the sport.

“It’s of course pretty exciting for me. I’ve only played two matches and also my court time has been pretty limited,” Raducanu said.

“I’ve been training the last few months at the LTA, but I had a few setbacks with my wrists and ankles. So to be back up to speed after so little is a great sign.

“Of course I’m disappointed about today because I was a few points away and had a few forehands mid-court, but at least I took them. I think I’d regret it more if I just pushed it in and let her hit a winner, so at least it was on my terms.

“I’m looking forward to this season, it’s just the beginning. It’s week one – a lot more to come.”

Svitolina was full of praise for Raducanu’s spirited display and described the opening set in their match as a “rollercoaster”.

“[The first set] was really a rollercoaster. I couldn’t play as well as I would have liked in the tiebreak, so I was a bit disappointed, but I tried to come back into the match and stay tough in the second. Being tough is what helped me win the match.”

Svitolina will face Marie Bouzkova – a 6-0 6-1 winner over Amanda Anisimova – in the quarter-finals.

There were more fitness concerns for Raducanu as she sported heavy strapping on her right thigh during the match, but she is excited for the upcoming season after a long absence.

“I think I can take away that my level was pretty high for two sets, two long sets which lasted like two hours and 15 minutes,” Raducanu said.

“I’m pretty proud of how quickly I was able to get my level up to be able to compete with Elina.”

She added: “But it for sure gives me a lot of confidence and looking forward to in time with more matches, more practice, more gym sessions, seeing where I can go from there.”