Raducanu earns first win of season after rain delay
Emma Raducanu claimed her first victory of the 2026 season in dramatic fashion, rallying after a rain suspension to defeat Colombia's Camila Osorio 6-3, 7-6(2) in the second round of the Hobart International.
The match, which began on Tuesday, was interrupted with Raducanu trailing 4-2 in the second set after winning the opener. Returning on Wednesday, the British top seed overturned the break deficit and dominated the tie-break to advance, unleashing a roar of relief upon sealing the win.
"Very, very difficult match. We played under all conditions and coming on and off a few times was really difficult," Raducanu said. "I don't think I've slept over many matches in between so that was a new one for me."
The victory marks a significant step in Raducanu's comeback after an injury-shortened 2025 season. Her off-season was further hampered by what she described as "light bone bruising" on her right foot, limiting her preparation. This was just her second match since September and followed a straight-sets loss to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup earlier this month.
Raducanu received a further boost when scheduled second-round opponent Magdalena Frech withdrew due to injury, sparing her a doubleheader Wednesday. Instead, she will face Australian wildcard Taylah Preston in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The win provides timely momentum as Raducanu continues her buildup for the Australian Open, which begins Sunday in Melbourne.
