Emma Raducanu admits staying calm is the key as she progresses to second round of the Citi Open
- Seb Sternik
- 3 August 2022
Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu booked her spot in the second round of the Citi Open with a straight sets victory over Louisa Chirico.
Raducanu marked her return to the North American hardcourt swing with a confident 6-4 6-2 victory over the American qualifier.
The Brit needed just one hour and 27 minutes to fend off the challenge from the world number 216.
Raducanu, who is ranked 10th in the world, defended her service well, having won 76% of points behind her first and second serves.
Chirico enjoyed five more winners than her opponent, but the qualifier couldn't contain her mistakes and ultimately paid a heavy price for a total of 42 unforced errors.
Speaking after the match, Raducanu told WTA.com: "Definitely feels really good to get a win here in D.C.
"And after not playing for quite a bit after Wimbledon or many matches at all this year, I think it's a really nice feeling just to get on the board.
"I think playing any first round is always pretty challenging. Then when you're not necessarily that match-sharp, small things you don't necessarily get right. It's just important to stay calm."
In full flight ✈️
— Citi Open (@CitiOpen) August 3, 2022
An impressive win from @EmmaRaducanu wraps up Day 2 👏#CitiOpenpic.twitter.com/IcyhUUJh4f
Raducanu will now switch her attention to a first ever meeting with Colombia's Camila Osorio in the second round.
Last Tuesday, Osorio snapped her five-match losing streak with a surprise victory over former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
