Source: bbc.com/By Matthew Henry, BBC Sport
Emma Raducanu made a winning return at the Auckland Classic in her first match after eight months out with injury.
The Briton started strongly but had to fight through a tense deciding set to win 6-3 4-6 7-5 against world number 134 Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Raducanu led 5-2 before twice failing to serve out the match and missing two match points on Ruse’s serve.
But the 21-year-old broke again for a 6-5 lead and eventually closed out the match on her fourth match point.
After the final point, the 2021 US Open champion, who needed a wildcard to enter the tournament having dropped to 301 in the rankings, covered her face with her hand in a celebration mixed with pleasure and relief.
The tougher test of second seed Elina Svitolina awaits in the second round.
“It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus, but I’m grateful to be healthy, grateful to be able to move my body, not bed-ridden and in a wheelchair,” Raducanu said.
“I can’t wait to be out here, start this season and be happy and healthy.”
Raducanu had been out since April after surgery on both wrists and her left ankle but showed little sign of rustiness in a comfortable first set in which she was particularly strong on serve.
Ruse, 26, then raised her level and snatched the momentum with her powerful groundstrokes in taking the second set.
After a tight start to the decider, Raducanu, who looked free of injury throughout the match, moved into the ascendancy by breaking to love for a 3-2 lead and continued by confidently taking the next two games.
Ruse then swung freely and her attacks earned back the first break back before she saved the first two match points. When Raducanu double-faulted while handing back the second break, the Romanian looked favourite at 5-5.
However, a fine backhand on to the baseline gave the Briton another break of serve and with it the third opportunity to serve out the match.
The final game was not easy as Raducanu fell 0-30 behind but timely and effective first serves gave her two more match points and Ruse netted on the second after being pulled out wide.
Raducanu’s meeting with Svitolina will act as further preparation for the Australian Open, which begins on 14 January, where she will have to go through qualifying to reach the main draw unless she is awarded a wildcard.
Earlier, top seed and US Open champion Coco Gauff won her match of the year by beating fellow American Claire Liu 6-4 6-2 while Svitolina defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 as the Dane continues her own comeback.