Emma Raducanu described her dominant victory against Angelique Kerber in Stuttgart as a “milestone moment” as she reflected she has “come a long way” in the last year.
The British star divulged she feels her serve is “more of a weapon now” and also expressed she is “mentally in a good place” as a result of the work she is doing in training.
Raducanu crushed Kerber 6-2, 6-1 in the opening round of the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart on Wednesday to build on her impressive recent clay-court displays in the Billie Jean King Cup.
Last week, Raducanu helped Britain overcome France 3-1 in Le Portel in the BJK Cup qualifying round with three-set triumphs over Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry.
The 21-year-old Brit, who is currently ranked 303rd, broke Kerber seven times as she eased past the German home favourite and three-time Grand Slam champion in Stuttgart.
The 2021 US Open champion played her last match of the 2023 season in Stuttgart a year ago as she underwent surgery on both her hands and her ankle in May.
Perfect Start 👍👍@EmmaRaducanu looking very sharp, defeating Kerber to set up a R2 encounter against Noskova!#PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/avIcmN55qG
— wta (@WTA) April 17, 2024