At the Australian Open, Caroline Wozniacki turned back time by winning the first set 6-1, while Wang Yafan took a 6-4 lead over Emma Raducanu. Raducanu, who has been missing a lot and struggling with unforced errors, found her rhythm and fought back to win the second set 6-4, showing visible excitement. Despite being under duress, Raducanu is battling it out in a gripping match, but Yafan has taken an early 2-1 lead in the deciding third set.
The stage. The situation? Yafan Wang has broken Emma Raducanu to start the third set and leads 2-1. The Briton looks to be under duress, but is fighting the contest out. #AusOpen • #AO2024 https://t.co/gaJWgEddj6
Emma Raducanu is pumped up! The Grand Slam champion found her rhythm in a marathon second set and breaks Wang to take it 6-4. We're off to a decider! #AusOpen • #AO2024 https://t.co/DX5WYNaRBO
Raducanu with a smoking forehand winner to finish a 24-shot rally & break Wang - but she can't serve out the second set. Wang digs in, starts forcing Raducanu back off the baseline with a touch of moonballing, and punishes a less-than-perfect drop shot to break back.
This second set between Raducanu and Wang is getting really gripping. Three games in a row for Raducanu with a break point to make it four, but fended off by Wang. Regardless of the result, love to see the way Raducanu has been able to shift the terms of engagement in this set.
Finds the line 👀 Wang Yafan goes on to take the opening set 6-4 over Raducanu. #AusOpen https://t.co/VNqidPFUmt
It's not been going well for Emma Raducanu - down a set & a break, she's been liberally leaking UFEs against a very solid Wang Yafan. But on the brink of going a double break down, she finds an ace and a running forehand winner. Something to feel good about.
Wang Yafan was 0-6, 1-4 down to Cirstea in the first round. She eventually won that match and now set and break up on Raducanu in the 2nd round. Emma missing a lot today...
Yafan Wang, take a bow! She takes the first set off Emma Raducanu 6-4, due in large part to shots like this! #AusOpen • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis https://t.co/ZeGbeTPR0K
Woziniacki winding back the clock ⏰ The former champion seals the first set 6-1. #AusOpen https://t.co/gCtHVdFgvY