Emma Raducanu Triumphs in Intense Battle Against Peyton Stearns to Advance at Hana Bank Korea Open

SEOUL -- Emma Raducanu kicked off her Asian campaign in style, securing a hard-fought victory against American Peyton Stearns, ranked No.49, with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the first round of the Hana Bank Korea Open. This match marked Raducanu's first victory on the Hologic WTA Tour during her Asian swing and was anything but easy.

The former US Open champion, who reached the semifinals at this event last year, is set to face No.40 Yuan Yue, last year's finalist, in the next round. Remarkably, Raducanu has now claimed six out of her last seven matches against players within the Top 50, showcasing her ability against high-ranking competitors.

In conditions marked by intense heat and humidity, which caused a 45-minute delay, both athletes fought for nearly 2 hours and 43 minutes. The match was a physical showdown laden with drama, featuring a staggering 28 break points and 12 breaks of serve. Despite serving for both sets, Raducanu faced tough resistance from Stearns, who forced two tiebreaks.

The opening set was particularly crucial, lasting 74 minutes, as Raducanu nearly squandered a commanding 4-1 lead. After a dominant stretch where she won 14 of 16 points, Raducanu's momentum faltered, allowing Stearns to fight back and even the score at 5-5. However, Raducanu regained her footing, saving multiple set points and clinching the set in a tiebreak.

The second set mirrored the intensity of the first, stretching on for 89 minutes. Both players held serve through the first seven games, with Stearns coming close to breaking Raducanu’s serve at 3-3, but the Brit successfully saved two break points. After breaking Stearns to take a 5-4 lead, Raducanu was poised to serve for the match. Yet, Stearns displayed resilience by breaking back and creating the opportunity to serve for a third set.

In a thrilling conclusion, Raducanu rediscovered her aggressive play, breaking back to force another tiebreak. She maintained her poise and precision under pressure, sealing the win on her second match point, much to the excitement of the spectators.

This match was part of an eventful Day 2 in Seoul, which saw several upsets. No.46 Amanda Anisimova eliminated No.30 Yulia Putintseva, and No.102 Hailey Baptiste upset No.65 Sloane Stephens.

With Raducanu's win, she not only advances to the next round but also demonstrates her capability to thrive in high-stakes matches, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. Fans now eagerly await her next challenge against Yuan Yue, as Raducanu looks to build on her hard-earned momentum and possibly reclaim her status as one of the premier forces in women’s tennis. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates!