Emma Raducanu posted her first victory on outdoor clay courts since 2022 after coming from a break down in both sets to beat Suzan Lamens in her first match at the Madrid Open. 

Raducanu, who missed much of the last two clay seasons through injury, came through in a 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory, sealing the win in one hour and 58 minutes on Monday. 

In a gruelling opening set, Lamens' break of serve in the fifth game was immediately clawed back by Raducanu as the pair traded blows in the Spanish capital. 

But it would be the Briton who would claim the early advantage, taking the tie-break after Lamens sent a forehand return wildly wide of the mark. 

Raducanu found herself 2-0 down early on in the second but roared back to level up the set, before edging ahead following a frenetic seventh game. 

The 22-year-old then made sure of her progression to the next round as a fierce serve was returned long by Lamens. Raducanu's reward for her victory will be a second-round tie against Marta Kostyuk. 

All smiles @EmmaRaducanu plays an excellent match to move into the next round after defeating Lamens 7-6(4), 6-4!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/9q4XgIrAdU

— wta (@WTA) April 23, 2025

Data Debrief: Raducanu makes winning start

After pausing her search for a new full-time coach, Raducanu's "informal" partnership with Mark Petchey continued, and it seems to be working a treat. 

Perhaps crucially, Raducanu's ability to battle from the brink proved key. She saved five of the eight break points she faced, a success rate of 62% to Lamens' 42% (three of seven). 

Up next is a clash against Kostyuk, a player she has met before in Madrid. They squared off back in 2022 at the same stage, with Raducanu emerging victorious in straight sets.