Emma Raducanu overcame significant serving struggles to secure a hard-fought victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Briton, who had faced disruptions in her pre-season training due to persistent back spasms, arrived at Melbourne Park feeling rusty after being forced to withdraw from her first scheduled tournament. Early in the match, it was clear that Raducanu’s serve was a major issue. Double faults quickly piled up, leaving her under pressure in the opening games.
Despite the serving woes, Raducanu displayed remarkable resilience, battling through 15 double faults to claim a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) win in a match that lasted two hours and 16 minutes. The victory was an impressive demonstration of her survival instincts, as she fought through the mental and physical challenges posed by her erratic serve. Raducanu’s ability to focus on other aspects of her game, such as her solid returns and excellent shot tolerance, allowed her to stay competitive despite the serving difficulties.
Raducanu’s serve had been a key focus during her off-season training, as she worked to increase the speed of both her first and second serves. The aim was to turn her first serve into a more effective weapon while strengthening her second serve, which had been a point of weakness in the past. However, the increased pace of her serves came with higher risk, particularly on her second serve, which features a slice rather than top spin. This led to the double faults that plagued her throughout the match.
In the face of adversity, Raducanu was able to refocus and rely on other parts of her game. Despite the serving issues, her returns were consistent and effective, and she was able to handle Alexandrova’s aggressive, flat-hitting style. Raducanu’s ability to redirect Alexandrova’s pace and her greater defensive skills gave her the upper hand in rallies, and she was able to control the flow of the match.
The match was a mental and physical battle, and Raducanu’s ability to stay calm under pressure was crucial to her success. Both sets featured tense moments, but Raducanu’s mental toughness shone through in the tiebreaks. In both sets, she raised her level when it mattered most, outplaying Alexandrova and closing out the match in style. Her performance in the tiebreaks demonstrated her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, a quality that will serve her well as the tournament progresses.
Raducanu expressed pride in her ability to fight through the difficulties and maintain focus despite the challenges she faced with her serve. She acknowledged that her serve was not at its best, but she was able to avoid letting it affect the rest of her game. This mental resilience will be key as she looks to build on this victory and improve her game in the coming rounds.
Looking ahead, Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova in the second round. Anisimova, a former teenage prodigy, is known for her clean ball-striking and aggressive play. Raducanu will need to continue improving her serve and refining her overall game to have a chance against the American. However, her ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments against Alexandrova has given her a solid foundation to build on as she moves forward in the tournament.
