Emma Raducanu produced a stirring comeback victory at Eastbourne, overcoming American Ann Li 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-1 in challenging conditions on the south coast.
The 22-year-old appeared visibly moved following the hard-fought triumph, holding back tears during her on-court interview.
"I want to thank the crowd for getting me through some really sticky moments," Raducanu said, clearly overcome whilst wiping her face.
"It really meant a lot to me and I'm really proud of how I fought back after losing the first set."
Emma Raducanu was overcome with emotion after winning at Eastbourne
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The swirling seaside winds created difficult playing conditions throughout the encounter, testing both players' resilience.
After falling behind 3-0 in the opening twelve minutes, Raducanu displayed the grit that has characterised her improved season. She clawed back to level terms before Li edged a tight first-set tiebreak.
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The American broke early in the second set, but Raducanu found another gear from the middle of that set onwards.
"It was tough, it was up and down. But from the middle of the second set I think I found another gear and another level," she reflected.
The British star dominated the deciding set, racing to a 4-1 lead before closing out the match convincingly.
Raducanu's physical struggles were evident throughout the match.
She slipped and fell on the baseline towards the end of the first set, taking time to get gingerly back to her feet whilst appearing to clutch her hip.
The match proved particularly demanding as she was forced to stoop repeatedly to return Li's low, wind-whipped shots.
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Emma Raducanu thanked the crowd for their support at Eastbourne
Reuters
These difficulties compounded ongoing fitness concerns. Raducanu has been managing a persistent back issue throughout the grass-court season, which forced her withdrawal from Berlin after a promising quarter-final showing at Queen's.
She had admitted before Eastbourne to navigating "good days and bad days" with the injury.
The victory sets up a second-round encounter with Australian teenager Maya Joint as Raducanu continues her Wimbledon preparations.
Support from her corner proved crucial, with friend and fellow player Fran Jones joining coach Mark Petchey courtside. Jones was heard urging "Radders" to "get after it" during key moments.
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Emma Raducanu will now face Australian teenager Maya Joint
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Despite the physical challenges, Raducanu's performance demonstrated her growing resilience this season.
Her ability to win whilst not at her fluid best suggests the British star is finding form at the perfect time.
With Wimbledon looming, this hard-fought victory in testing conditions will serve as valuable preparation for the challenges ahead.
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