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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Tumaini Carayol at Melbourne Park

Emma Raducanu used heavy defeat to fuel good start at Australian Open

Emma Raducanu celebrates winning a point in the Australian Open first-round victory over Sloane Stephens
Emma Raducanu also said she was inspired by Andy Murray in beating Sloane Stephens in three sets in the Australian Open first round. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty Images

Emma Raducanu has cited her reaction to recent adversity as essential in helping her remain on the right track and to arrive at the Australian Open in an optimal frame of mind.

Last week in Sydney, Raducanu opened her season with a brutal 6-0, 6-1 loss to Elena Rybakina in less than an hour, a defeat that came while she was still recovering her fitness levels after contracting Covid in December. Minutes after leaving the court, Raducanu returned to practice and she was in a positive frame of mind as she spoke afterwards.

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