"Could win a couple of Slams this year": Tennis fans left pleasantly surprised by Emma Raducanu's comeback win in Auckland

Finally, Emma Raducanu's return to the Tour was realized at the WTA 250 ASB Classic after 9 months during which she underwent surgeries on both wrists and one of her ankles, forcing her to take a long recovery break. In her first match, she demonstrated a competitive level and defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

Fans were surprised by the great performance of the 2021 US Open champion, who, despite the time away from competition, lived up to expectations in the tournament's first round. In the second round, she will face a tough challenge against the second seed and world No. 25 Elina Svitolina, who comes from defeating the former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.

In her last months, Raducanu's performance on the Tour was far from her best, securing inconsistent results with a record of 5-5. Since claiming the epic title at Flushing Meadows, the British player has not advanced beyond the second round in any of her five subsequent Grand Slam appearances. She only reached the fourth round in a WTA 1000 event once, falling short of expectations for the former world No. 10."

“It’s pretty amazing to just be out here and playing and 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,” Raducanu said after the match. "Thanks for all the support throughout the journey," she added.

The triumphant return of Raducanu excites fans, raising hopes that this time she can showcase the talent she has already demonstrated and emerge as one of the key figures on the women's tour. Some even consider her a contender for the Grand Slam tournaments of 2024:

“I saw some of the highest level of ball striking in the first set. Reckon she could win a couple of slams this year. Iga's #1 spot in danger.”

Here are some other comments from fans who highlighted Raducanu's notable triumph in Auckland: