Emma Raducanu was happy to reflect on a ‘huge’ win after she tasted victory for the first time since her stunning US Open success at the Transylvanian Open.
Raducanu, with her Romanian father in her box, is playing what must feel like a home tournament in Cluj, even though it is behind closed doors, and she will have enjoyed herself after coming from behind to beat Polona Hercog 4-6 7-5 6-1.
It was just her second match since that astounding win in New York last month and she has finally been able to end the anomaly of being a grand slam champion without a win on the WTA Tour.
This is just Raducanu’s fourth tournament at this level and after three previous first-round defeats she is finally on the board.
She said: “It feels like a huge win, it is my first WTA Tour win which makes me very happy.
“It was difficult for me but I feel to win my first WTA match does mean a lot because I was on a losing streak, so I got my first one. I am really pleased to have come through that today.
“It definitely means a lot, it’s my first win, I knew that in my head so I was battling really hard to get on the board. To play in Romania, I had amazing support so they definitely helped me.
“It is a shame there aren’t fans here but I hope they were watching and I just wanted to do them proud.”
The 18-year-old has enjoyed life off the court since her Flushing Meadows success, with a host of red carpet appearances and profitable endorsements, but this victory will feel like a big step in the right direction.