Published On: Tue, Jun 24th, 2025

Emma Raducanu fights back tears after comeback win in Eastbourne

Emma Raducanu waves to the crowd
Emma Raducanu appeared emotional following her victory over Ann Li at Eastbourne – PA/Bradley Collyer

Emma Raducanu fought back the tears after claiming a hard-fought victory over American Ann Li in the opening round at Eastbourne.

The grass-court season has been fraught with difficulties for Raducanu, despite her reclaiming the British No 1 spot from Katie Boulter for the first time in two years.

Since the start of the clay-court season, Raducanu has already had to contend with a back problem, not to mention the news that her stalker had been blocked from buying Wimbledon tickets having initially put his name in the ballot.

When asked about her response to securing the 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 win over world No 64 Li, Raducanu said: “I received some pretty bad news, so I would like to keep it personal but it was difficult and very emotional at the end and probably just a release of different emotions.”

Eastbourne was hardly the ideal way to make a first grass court appearance in 10 days either, with its cold and blustery seaside conditions affecting all players on the opening two days, especially when serving.

Raducanu’s fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura has also not been in her support box since early in the clay-court season, for personal reasons – a position that at Eastbourne was occupied by Mark Petchey and fellow tennis player Francesca Jones. 

“It’s nice whenever the schedule works,” Raducanu said when asked about the presence of the British No 5 in her player’s corner.

“We like to be there for each other and today, obviously she’s a close friend of mine, so she knew what was going on behind the scenes and to have her support there on a day like today means so much to me.”

Emma Raducanu's coach Mark Petchey looks on
Raducanu’s coach Mark Petchey and Fran Jones gave plenty of support to the British No 1 – Reuters/Paul Childs

Raducanu made a sluggish losing the first three games, as she appeared to struggle with her movement on the court. However, she struck back to claim the next three to get the opening set back on serve.

This was the first meeting between the two players, yet despite Raducanu’s superior ranking, there were times when it felt as though the match could have gone either way. It was clear how much the contest meant to the home favourite, who had already unleashed two yelled fist-clenches by the sixth game of the match.

By all measures, it was not a clean contest, although it could have been a more straightforward one. In the first-set tie break, Raducanu held a 5-3 lead, only for a combination of fortuitous bounces off the net and an unforced error enabled Li to take the lead.

But it was not until midway through the second set, after she found herself behind in the contest, that Raducanu began to show some of her best tennis.

Raducanu saved seven out of 10 break points, as she dug deep to reach what she described on court as an “extra gear” and stormed to take the decider 6-1, although she needed four match points to seal her place in the second round.

After squandering three match points, Raducanu claimed victory on the fourth with a backhand winner.

It was a contest of lengthy baseline exchanges that at times felt like a case of who would blink first, with the quality of ball-striking a marked improvement on the earlier match between Harriet Dart and last year’s Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.

With six days to go until Wimbledon, Raducanu reflected on her build-up to the tournament: “I feel like I’m just doing the right things every day. I know there’s a lot of things I want to do better, but I think I have to be proud of myself and aim for consistency over perfection.

“That’s my new thing and trying to – I have high standards of myself but trying not to bring myself down if I don’t reach them.”

After coming through what she admitted to be a “physically demanding match”, Raducanu admitted to feeling fatigue and stiffness, with the hope that she would recover in time for her second round match against Australia’s Maya Joint on Wednesday.

During her quarter-final defeat to Zheng Qinwen at Queen’s Club, a medic was called to court, with Raducanu later admitting she required painkillers to complete the match.

The back problem, which she admitted “needs a lot of work” has forced her to seek multiple types of treatment including dry needling, muscle stimulation and taping.

But after a match in the cold, during which her movement appeared to be slightly hindered at times, although there was no need for any physio break or additional attention, it remains to be seen whether the issue will rear its head again before Wimbledon.

05:36 PM BST

Who does Raducanu play next?

Raducanu is expected to be back in action tomorrow, where she will face Australia’s Maya Joint for a place in the last eight.

The two players met at the Italian Open last month with Raducanu winning in three sets. 

05:20 PM BST

Raducanu on her relationship with Mark Petchey

It’s working really well, it was really nice to have a lot of support. 

It’s going really well with Mark and I’m just looking forward to playing tomorrow.

05:10 PM BST

Raducanu reacts

It feels incredible. I want to thank the crowd for getting me through some really sticky moments.

It really meant a lot to me and I’m really proud of how I fought back after losing the first set.

I’m very, very happy to come through that today. It was tough, it was up and down, but from the middle of the second set I think I found another gear and a another level.

05:02 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-1 Li*

A crucial game for the American, she must hold serve to have any real chance of staying in this match.

Raducanu is being so aggressive – producing some sublime shots which Li has no answer too.

Three match points for the British No 1. The third was lethal, with the American on the run after a sloppy second serve.

But Raducanu nets her backhand volley in the net. Deuce.

But it is advantage to Raducanu and match point four. Can she finally convert it?

Yes she can, the British No 1 produces a sublime backhand winner. Game, set and match. Tears from Raducanu after a tricky match which often produced tennis way below her usual level.

04:57 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 5-1 Li

The British No 1 is rattling through her service game to love – all of the momentum is with Raducanu now.

Raducanu is pulling Li all over the court at Eastbourne – finally we are seeing her on the ascendancy –brilliant hitting from the Raducanu which the Eastbourne crowd are loving.

04:53 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 4-1 Li*

Brilliant work from the American, as she lands a forehand right on the baseline. But then she goes long which gifts Raducanu break point.

Such inconsistency from Li especially on her forehand, as she goes long again and Raducanu can finally see the finish line.

04:50 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 3-1 Li

Terrible start for the British No 1, as she serves up her third double fault of the match – 30-30. The next point Raducanu goes for power on her serve which Li returns to the net. 

Raducanu roars to the Eastbourne crowd – she holds to 30 and restores her two game cushion in this deciding set. Huge moment for the British No 1.

04:42 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 2-1 Li*

A brilliant response from the American, as she holds to love in this deciding set.

Raducanu still has work to do to get over the finishing line at Eastbourne.

04:41 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 2-0 Li

The mistakes are mounting for the American – her game is really starting to unravel.

A simple backhand return she nets, when she had the perfect opportunity to move ahead in the game but instead gifts Raducanu the opportunity to solidify her break.

04:37 PM BST

Third set: Raducanu 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 1-0 Li*

The American falls behind 0-30 with some ragged serving – but then she produces two brilliant passing shots to level up the game at 30-30.

Li wastes the chance by spraying her backhand wide – we are now at deuce. What a return of serve from Raucanu as she earns another break point in this opening game of the third set.

But American responds well with an ace to save that break point. Such a topsy-turvy game, as we reach deuce for the third time.

Then Li nets her backhand to give advantage to Raducanu. Long from the American – this a huge chance for the British No 1 to finally take charge of this match.

04:28 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 Li

The crowd are lifting Raducanu’s spirits here – she seems more relaxed and smiling at her box.

Li sends a volley wide and the British No 1 is two points from the set. A brilliant serve from the British No 1 sets up two set points. She only needs one to the set – as her backhand return is netted by the American.

Game on at Eastbourne – we are heading to a deciding set.

04:25 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7) 5-3 Li*

The British No 1 does look comfortable out there today – but is still in this game courtesy of Li’s errors in this second set. 

The American puts her backhand long, 30-30. Then Li goes wide again – she throws her racket down in disbelief. 

But the American is able to save the break point. Deuce. But a well-timed passing shot from Raducanu means she has the advantage. 

The British No 1 takes it and she will serve for this second set.

04:18 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7) 4-3 Li

This is much better play from the British No 1 who produces a brilliant lob. The Eastbourne crowd love that! But Raducanu wastes the chance with a few loose shots, 30-30.

Then, Raducanu finds the net and it is break point to the American. Li goes long and Raducanu survives.

The American gets the advantage again after Raducanu goes wide with her backhand. Li takes the game after intercepting an attempted passing shot from Raducanu.

04:13 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7) 4-2 Li*

The American is unravelling here – with her second double fault of the match. Li then puts her forehand into the net, a real opportunity for Raducanu here.

Can the British No 1 take the opportunity? Yes she can, as Li finds the net. Finally, the British No 1 has some daylight in this second set.

04:09 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7) 3-2 Li

This is all about survival for Raducanu – as she is struggling to get to those difficult shots. Li races ahead 40-15 and has break point.

But the break point is saved after the American’s return goes long. Deuce. It is advantage from the British No 1 as Li goes long once more – a really uncomfortable game for both players.

The British No 1 is still in this game – much to the delight of the Eastbourne crowd.

04:01 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7) 2-2 Li*

Raducanu races ahead to 15-0 after moving out far left to send a winning return from Li’s serve. Then, the British No 1 goes long when she had an open court to aim out..

That puts the American in the ascending – Li races ahead 40-15 in this game. Li is able to hold the game after a brilliant forehand return.

03:57 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7) 2-1 Li

Not sure if the wind at Eastbourne is playing a real factor but both players are struggling on serve in this second set.

The British No 1 is trailing 0-30 but then produces a lovely pass as the American charges down the net.

But an awkward return from Raducanu – means we have two break points once more. The American goes wide, then Raducanu goes big from the net to save the second break point.

Deuce. Li gets another break point but Raducanu rescues it with a brilliant serve. After a lengthy rally, Li pushes her forehand wide meaning the British No 1 is able to hold.

03:50 PM BST

Raducanu 6-7 (5-7) 1-1 Li*

Brilliant response from Raducanu as she dispatched a poor serve from Li for 0-15. She needs to produce that type of power more frequently in this match.

First double fault of the match from the American, allows Raducanu the opportunity of two break points.

Li then plants her forehand return in the net and simply gifts the point to the British No 1 – Raducanu will have no complaints.

03:47 PM BST

Second set: Raducanu* 6-7 (5-7) 0-1 Li

Raducanu is struggling with her serve – she seems restricted with her movment. The American is handed two break points in the second set.

Li claims the second with another sublime drop shot. The American is in firm control – the British No 1 has some work to do out on centre court.

03:42 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-7 Li (5-7)

The American gets lucky after her forehand catches the net and it drops dead for Raducanu.

But then it was a sublime shot from the American to make it 5-5 in this tie-break

What a comeback from the American, who is now serving to take the first set.

Li does it with a sublime forehand that Raducanu simply cannot reach. The American takes the first set against Raducanu.

03:39 PM BST

Raducanu 6-6 Li* (5-3)

The British No 1 produces as big ace wide and she first-pumps to the Eastbourne crowd once more!

Raducanu then gets the mini-break with sublime looping backhand shot. If the British No 1 can hold these two service points, she takes the opening set.

03:36 PM BST

Raducanu 6-6 Li* (3-3)

The American gets an early break after an brilliant return from Raducanu’s serve.

But the British No 1 gets back level after Li pushes her forehand long.

03:32 PM BST

Raducanu* 6-6 Li

Raducanu keeps her composure and responds to some dangerous forehand returns from the American. However. the British No 1 holds to 15 – tie-break time at Eastbourne.

Following her slip at the baseline, Raducanu is stretching both her back and right leg – her movement seems to be slightly restricted. But there are no concerns from Raducanu’s coach Mark Petchely.

03:29 PM BST

Raducanu 5-6 Li*

Tough start for Raducanu in this game – as she slips at the baseline after attempting to return a Li forehand. On the replay, she loses her footing but appears unhurt.

Li’s service game has improved as she holds to love and finishes the game off with an ace.

03:26 PM BST

Raducanu* 5-5 Li

Brilliant footwork from the American – sprinting to rescue a volley from Raducanu and sending it to the baseline.

But, the British No 1 responds well with a sublime forehand winner – but then produces the first double fault of the match. Tense times at 40-30.

Then Raducanu’s forehand slice drifts wide and it is deuce. But then the British No 1 is still fighting – and now she has the advantage after Li goes long.

Then, the American goes long again and it is game point to Raducanu.

03:19 PM BST

Raducanu 4-5 Li*

This is a intriguing battle between both players – the American holds to love. The British No 1 is now serving to stay in the opening set.

Can Raducanu keep her composure?

03:16 PM BST

Raducanu* 4-4 Li

Raducanu’s back seems to be holding up – as she serves up an ace and races ahead 30-0.

This would only happen at Eastbourne, her next serve is interrupted when a seagull flies across the court in Raducanu’s eyeline. The crowd seem to have enjoyed that comical moment and both players raise a smile.

However, Raducanu keeps her composure and holds serve to 15.

03:13 PM BST

Raducanu 3-4 Li*

The British No 1 has really raised her game here – she steps into Li’s serve and sends an undefendable return. But the American is un-phased and sprints to the net. She puts Raducanu under pressure – the British No 1 goes wide with her forehand on the next point.

Li is really struggling with her second serve which Raducanu’s punishes – it is deuce. But then the American is able to hold as Raducanu’s lob attempt is blown out of the court by the wind.

A brilliant battle between both players.

03:08 PM BST

Raducanu* 3-3 Li

Raducanu’s confidence is building here – as she goes for bigger and more powerful shots.

However, she nets her forehand allowing the American to draw level at 30-30. A brilliant serve out wide from Raducanu – takes her to game point and she fistpumps once again to the Eastbourne crowd – they are loving this.

Li goes wide with her backhand return and we are all square in this opening set.

03:03 PM BST

Raducanu 2-3 Li*

The British No 1 is overcoming her inauspicious start to this match. She sprints to net and chases down the American’s drop shot and returns it past Li.

Li then finds the net with her backhand and the British No 1 roars with a fistpump as she races ahead 30-0.

What a shot from Raducanu – a sublime backhand winner earns the Briton another break point. Can she make this count? Yes she can, as Li nets.

03:00 PM BST

Raducanu* 1-3 Li

The Eastbourne crowd are delighted, as Raducanu produces the first ace of the match with a brilliant serve – Li had no chance of returning that.

Things are looking a lot brighter for the British No 1, as she holds to 15 and is starting to assert herself in this match.

02:57 PM BST

Raducanu 0-3 Li*

The British No 1 starts well and races ahead 40-0 on the Li serve. Here we go, three break points for Raducanu – a well-timed backhand drop shot.

However, two mishit cross court shots from the British No 1 means she wastes the first of two break points. Raducanu finds the net and it is deuce – she will be kicking herself.

The American rescues the game with a forehand winner and she has taken real control of this opening set.

02:52 PM BST

Raducanu* 0-2 Li

A comfortable break for Li – her forehand is proving to be a real weapon but Raducanu is giving the American too much on time on it.

An extended rally won by the American after well-time backhand drop shot – the crowd at Eastbourne goes silent as Li is on her way to three break points.

She takes the second as Raducanu goes long with her forehand return.

02:46 PM BST

First set: Emma Raducanu 0-1 Ann Li* (*denotes server)

A positive start from the British No 1, who forces Li to deuce as the American goes long with her backhand after a lengthy rally.

Brilliant ball striking from both players – but Li gets some luck as her forehand catches the net and it drops dead for Raducanu.

Then, the British No 1 goes wide with her forehand on the next point and Li is able to hold.

02:33 PM BST

Raducanu on court

Now the focus turns to Raducanu and Li!

Raducanu’s performance at Queen’s was certainly encouraging and she should have enough to get past Li, against whom she has never played.

Li, the world No 64, started the year well with wins over Daria Saville and Anna Kalinskaya en route to a finals run in Singapore and says grass is her favourite surface, but she has a win-loss record of 15/13.

The players have just been introduced and we will be underway shortly at Eastbourne.

02:32 PM BST

Dart self-implodes

That was a gutsy win by the Wimbledon champion but Dart will be kicking herself after having the match in her hands.

She played so well and held her nerve until that very last service game when, ironically, the sun came out for the first time.

Krejcikova says she is delighted to have come through that test and “super-excited” about defending her Wimbledon crown next week.

02:25 PM BST

Krejcikova survives Dart scare

Dart goes a fraction wide with a cross-court forehand. 0-15.

It would be such a shame if she loses it from here.

Dart sends a backhand long! Doh! She’s looking deflated now. 0-30.

Double-fault! Three match points to Krejcikova.

And Dart goes long with her backhand!

Krejcikova wins 6-3, 6-7, 7-5.

02:21 PM BST

Dart 3-6, 7-6, 5-6 Krejcikova*

Dart wins the first point with a crisp winner down the line but Krejcikova takes the next three points.

AAAAGHHH! That’s a primal scream from Dart, who finally lets her frustrations show. She’s had her chances, there’s no doubt about it.

Dart manages to take the next two points as Krejcikova struggles again with her ball toss. Horrendous conditions these, really. 30-40.

Glorious winner from Dart across court. Can she break her opponent again? Deuce!

Dart finds the tramlines with a backhand slice. So frustrating! Advantage Krejcikova.

Dart nets. The Briton now serving to say in the match.

02:15 PM BST

Dart squanders two match points

Dart wins the first point with a confident cross-court forehand. 15-0.

Ace! 30-love.

This time Dart goes long following a lengthy exchange. 30-15.

Brilliant point by Dart, who forces Krejcikova into a defensive lob and sends a drive vlley down the line.

40-15.

Dart misses with a forehand this time 40-30.

Krejcikova saves the second match point with a deft stop-volley at the net.

Dart goes long. Doh! Advantage Krejcikova.

Dart is foiled by a ow slice over the net and she can only send her shot into the net.

Dart 3-6, 7-6, 5-5 Krejcikova 

02:08 PM BST

Dart serving for the match

Krejcikova manages to find aces number four and five of the match to win the game to love and say: “Over to you, Harriet” who is now serving for the match.

02:05 PM BST

Dart one game away

This has been a gutsy performance from Dart, who looked to be a goner when 6-5 down in the second set.

But she then broke Krejcikova to love and won the tie-break convincingly before breaking the reigning Wimbledon champion in her very first service game of the third set. 

The British No 4 has just nailed her first ace of the match and then hit the line with a glorious crosscourt winner to move 5-3 up in the third.

Come on Harriet!

02:00 PM BST

Gone with the wind?

As well as heath issues, and her opponent, Raducanu will also have to battle the elements down on the south coast. The match before hers, which is drawing towards its conclusion, between Harriet Dart and Barbora Krejcikova, had to be twice delayed due to the rain and the pair are having to endure very blustery conditions that is making serving arduous. 

Krejcikova was handed a particularly harsh code violation for time-wasting during the second set when the wind was clearly affecting her ball toss. But Dart appears to have coped better with the home conditions, battling back from a set down to earn an early break in the third set. Dart is currently leading 3-6, 7-6, 4-3.

01:52 PM BST

Raducanu back in action

Welcome to live coverage of the Eastbourne International, where Emma Raducanu will shortly be in action against Ann Li, of the United States. 

Raducanu will be hoping to come through her opening round unscathed as much as unbeaten, after having had to withdraw from last week’s Berlin Open with an ongoing back problem.

The 22-year-old made it through to the quarter-final of the HSBC Championship at Queen’s, where she succumbed to Zheng Qinwen in straight sets. Reaching the last eight of the west London event helped her reclaim her status as Britain’s No1 player but she admitted she needed painkillers to get through the match.

A combination of dry needling, soft tissue massages, muscle stimulation and taping has helped her get back on court to face Li, and the good news is she came through morning practice without any problems resurfacing. But the real test will be match conditions.

“I have been struggling with my back since Strasbourg, and it’s just been something that’s been on and off.,” Raducanu said recently. “I’m not overly concerned that it’s something serious, but I know it’s something that’s very annoying.”

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