Raducanu makes winning start to grass-court season

Raducanu makes winning start to grass-court seasonImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Emma Raducanu is ranked 42nd in the worldByHarry Poole, BBC Sport journalist and Emily Salley, BBC Sport journalistPublished3 minutes agoEmma Raducanu began her Wimbledon preparations with a promising straight-set victory over Anna Blinkova in a rain-disrupted match at Queen's.British number one Raducanu was dominant for most of the contest, winning the first eight games without reply before going on to complete a 6-0 6-3 victory over the Russian qualifier.It was the 23-year-old's first win since 6 March, when she beat qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in the Indian Wells first round.Raducanu's season has since been disrupted by a post-viral illness that kept her off the WTA Tour for more than two months, and she lost her only two matches on clay on her return - in Strasbourg and at the French Open.But Raducanu appeared comfortable as she opened her grass-court season in London - and delighted to be competing in front of her home support."I'm so happy to have come through that match. To be back here playing at Queen's... I haven't actually won a match for a few months and there isn't a place I would rather have done it. I'm really grateful for all the support," Raducanu told the crowd."I have people who mean a lot around me. I'm doing the best I can each day. Being part of the atmosphere is something that I really enjoy - I don't see it as added pressure, I really thrive off it. I'm just happy to be back."Watch Queen's tennis: Boulter resumes match v Fernandez after Raducanu winsChampion Maria asks for respect after Queen's snubPublished5 hours agoRaducanu had looked far from her best in her past two matches following illness but, 16 days after her first-round exit at Roland Garros, the Briton made afresh on Andy Murray Arena.The 2021 US Open champion held a commanding 3-0 lead before rain halted...