Emma Raducanu thrilled after 'meaningful' win over 'world's richest tennis star'
Emma Raducanu said her comeback victory over world No.5 Jessica Pegula was one of her most “meaningful” wins.
Raducanu followed up her stunning first-round win over fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in Eastbourne at the Rothesay International, by digging deep to battle past American Pegula 4-6 7-6 (6) 7-5 after almost three hours in sweltering conditions. It ensured a quarter-final spot for Raducanu, at the expense of the so-called 'world's richest tennis star'.
The American, who won the Berlin WTA title last week, had looked in control early on following two breaks as she opened up a 4-1 lead. Raducanu, though, rallied to pull back level at 4-4 only to then see her serve falter again as Pegula closed out the first set.
The match appeared to be running away from Raducanu – who missed the entire grass-court season last year due to wrist and ankle surgery – after she soon trailed 2-0 in the second set having again lost her opening service game. However, after finding her range from the back of the court and lifted by the home crowd, it was Pegula who started to wilt in the Eastbourne sun as Raducanu edged in front 4-3.
Raducanu again dug deep to recover from 3-0 down in the tie-break to level the match as Pegula lashed another return into the net.
Remarkably, it was the first time in her career Raducanu had taken a set from a top-10 player and the 21-year-old built on the momentum into the deciding set as she broke twice to move 5-2 ahead.
Pegula, though, refused to go quietly and forced a break back in the next game when Raducanu lashed a return wide. After Pegula held, Raducanu had the chance to serve out for the match for a second time but the American went on to square things up again.
Emma Raducanu reacts after winning a point during her match against Jessica Pegula
Raducanu came to the net to wrap up another break and move 6-5 ahead, which left her again serving for the match. Pegula then saw three break point chances missed as Raducanu rallied from 0-40 before completing a remarkable fightback.
“I am pretty drained right now but I just want to say thanks to everyone again for getting me through some really difficult moments in that match,” Raducanu said in her courtside interview, with Wimbledon in her sights.
“It is incredibly difficult when you are playing someone so in form like Jessica. She came off the back of a great run in Berlin and no doubt she is feeling confident on the grass.
“I am really pleased with how I managed to navigate some really tough situations and I didn’t think I would be able to get myself out of it, so I would say this match is one of the more meaningful ones to me.
“I have been going through some stuff, so to come through has been really nice.”