Emma Raducanu wins Auckland match after 8-month hiatus

Scores: Raducanu beat Romanian tennis player Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. She will face Ukrainian second seed Elina Svitolina in the next round.

What she’s saying: Speaking to reporters after the match, the 2021 U.S. Open champion said it was “pretty amazing” to be back on the court. “I’m just really happy to be back on the tour and can’t wait to start this season and carry on hopefully injury-free and healthy,” she added.

Raducanu, 21, took a break from tennis while recovering from multiple surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle in May. Her hiatus resulted in her world ranking dipping to No. 301.

“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,” she said.

What’s next: The British tennis star has secured a spot at the Australian Open main draw after American tennis player Lauren Davis withdrew from the tournament due to a shoulder injury, event organizers announced Wednesday. Others who pulled out from the tournament include Karolina Muchova and Petra Kvitova from the Czech Republic, Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania and the U.S.’ Caty McNally.

The Australian Open will begin in Melbourne on Jan. 14.