Yahoo Sports Emma Raducanu v Jessica Pegula LIVE: Tennis result and reaction after Briton’s impressive win at Eastbourne
Emma Raducanu secured one of the most "meaningful" wins of her career over world number five Jessica Pegula to reach the quarter-finals of the Rothesay International in Eastbourne
Raducanu followed up her stunning first-round win over fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens by digging deep to battle past American Pegula 4-6 7-6 (6) 7-5 after almost three hours in sweltering conditions. The American, who won the Berlin WTA title last week, had looked in control early on following two breaks as she opened up a 4-1 lead. Raducanu, though, rallied to pull back level at 4-4 only to then see her serve falter again as Pegula closed out the first set.
The match appeared to be running away from Raducanu - who missed the entire grass-court season last year due to wrist and ankle surgery - after she soon trailed 2-0 in the second set having again lost her opening service game. However, after finding her range from the back of the court and lifted by the home crowd, it was Pegula who started to wilt in the Eastbourne sun as Raducanu edged in front 4-3. Raducanu again dug deep to recover from 3-0 down in the tie-break to level the match as Pegula lashed another return into the net.
Remarkably, it was the first time in her career Raducanu had taken a set from a top-10 player and the 21-year-old built on the momentum into the deciding set as she broke twice to move 5-2 ahead. Pegula, though, refused to go quietly and forced a break back in the next game when Raducanu lashed a return wide.
After Pegula held, Raducanu had the chance to serve out for the match for a second time but the American went on to square things up again. Raducanu came to the net to wrap up another break and move 6-5 ahead, which left her again serving for the match. Pegula then saw three break point chances missed as Raducanu rallied from 0-40 before completing a remarkable fightback. Relive all the action from Eastbourne below:
Emma Raducanu v Jessica Pegula
Raducanu secures first-ever set against a top-10 opponent in gripping tie-breaker
Raducanu defeats Jessica Pegula (4-6 7-6 7-5) for first win over top-10 opponent
Raducanu reacts to ‘meaningful’ victory after ‘going through some stuff’
Emma Raducanu hails victory over Jessica Pegula after ‘going through some stuff’
18:17 , Sonia Twigg
Emma Raducanu saved match point and went on to secure her first-ever victory against a top-10 ranked player to reach the quarter-finals at Eastbourne.
The 21-year-old wildcard fought hard and pushed world number five Jessica Pegula all the way, before clinching a remarkable 4-6 7-6 7-5 win.
“I’m pretty drained right now, but I just want to say thanks to everyone again for getting me through some really difficult moments in that match,” Raducanu said after the victory.
“It’s incredibly difficult when you’re playing someone who’s so in-form like Jessica. I mean she came off the back of a great run in Berlin and no doubt she’s feeling confident on the grass.”
Emma Raducanu hails victory over Jessica Pegula after ‘going through some stuff’
Emma Raducanu secures first-ever win against a top 10 player, beating Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne
17:55 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu on there being three British women in the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years: “I think it’s really good. We all see each other progressing into the next round and no one wants to be left behind.
“But that’s the way it should be, we should be pushing each other to take that next step. It’s definitely the case right now in the men’s and women’s. I mean we’re all doing really well especially on the grass.
“I think we all come alive on this surface, so I’m very pleased and it’s just a testament to how well we’ve been training and how hard we’ve been putting work in. I think we’re all doing a pretty good job.”
Emma Raducanu secures first-ever win against a top 10 player, beating Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne
17:49 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu: “I mean I’m pretty drained right now, but I just want to say thanks to everyone again for getting me through some really difficult moments in that match.
“It’s incredibly difficult when you’re playing someone who’s so in-form like Jessica. I mean she came off the back of a great run in Berlin and no doubt she’s feeling confident on the grass.
“But I’m really pleased with how I managed to navigate against some really tough situations and I didn’t think to be honest I’d be able to get myself out of it, so I would say this match is one of the more meaningful ones to me.
“I think I’ve been going through some stuff and to come through it has been really nice.”
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 7-5 Jessica Pegula - GAME, SET, MATCH RADUCANU
17:45 , Sonia Twigg
It’s deuce. Raducanu is two points away, but she double faults and Pegula has another break point.
Raducanu responds well with a strong serve down the middle. And follows it up with another to set up match point!
She takes it! Pegula hits wide and for the first time in her career Raducanu has beaten someone in the top 10!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 6-5 Jessica Pegula
17:42 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu seems to have problems when she holds the crucial advantage, and Pegula attacks the second serve with a strong return to win the point.
Pegula pulls out another winner, this time taking the advantage when Raducanu made the decision to come to the net.
Raducanu thinks she has won a point, it’s called in, but Pegula has challenged and rightly so, the ball has gone out.
Pegula has three break points again.
Raducanu saves the first one after what could have been the longest rally of the match! And she saves another when Pegula overhits a ball from the net.
Raducanu pulls out a brilliant wide serve that Pegula cannot return in the court to take the game to deuce!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 6-5 Jessica Pegula
17:37 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu has her third chance to serve out for the match - can it be third time lucky?
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 6-5 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
17:36 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula is on serve, Raducanu’s advantage has gone, and it’s quickly 15-15 on the American’s serve.
Raducanu attacks the second serve and comes out on top in another thumping baseline exchange to push ahead again.
And another bit of wonderful improvised tennis, including a clever sliced backhand to pull Pegula wide and open up the court gives her two break points.
The first one is saved when Raducanu hits the net, but the crowd is all getting behind her as she has one more.
She takes it! Raducanu comes to the net at the right time to play a winning drop shot.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-5 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
17:32 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu misses a drop shot down the line, the ball just drifts into the net, and Pegula takes the first point on the British player’s serve.
Pegula plays another drop shot and Raducanu slips! She fell outside the baseline, and the crowd is trying to get behind the home favourite here.
Raducanu double faults and Pegula has three break points. This is a big twist from everything that had happened so far in the third set.
She misses another and Pegula breaks to love!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-4 Jessica Pegula*
17:29 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu has a second chance to serve for the match. What can she do with it?
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-4 Jessica Pegula*
17:27 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu returns and follows it up with a winning volley on the first point of Pegula’s serve. But a serve into the body is too much for the Briton and she cannot return.
Another strong first serve and Pegula takes a 30-15 lead, and she continues to strike well to make it 40-15.
A super return from Raducanu takes it to 40-30, but Pegula closes out the game with an ace!
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-3 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
17:24 , Sonia Twigg
Is Pegula fighting back? She takes the first point as Raducanu starts her game serving for the match.
Pegula wins the next point, and now it’s Raducanu who just needs to hold her nerve.
But Pegula has three break points. The Briton saves the first, but a wild forehand into the tramlines sees her drop the second, and she is broken.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-2 Jessica Pegula*
17:20 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula has hit one half way up the net to make it 30-30 and she is looking very deflated at the moment.
Raducanu carves out another break point, this would be difficult for Pegula to come back from in the third set.
Her first serve goes out, and Raducanu takes the game with a perfect drop shot! The crowd and the momentum is behind her.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 4-2 Jessica Pegula
17:17 , Sonia Twigg
The crowd is really getting behind Raducanu here, and she responds in kind, moving to 30-0 up on her serve.
She already has a break in this set, and she is playing some stunning tennis.
Raducanu is on the back foot, but it doesn’t stop her pulling out a stunning lob to take a 40-0 lead!
She holds to love with a backhand down the line!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 3-2 Jessica Pegula*
17:12 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu plays a stunning forehand passing shot and this is a brilliant run of shots from the British number five, who is looking far beyond that in this game.
Raducanu goes 15-30 ahead on Pegula’s serve, but has missed a chance to set up a game point. Hopefully that will not affect her rhythm at all.
Raducanu pulls it back to deuce. Pegula manages to carve out an advantage and hold a game to halt Raducanu’s momentum.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 3-1 Jessica Pegula
17:07 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu has continued in the same vein of form that she has shown so far this set, and storms to a 40-15 lead.
Raducanu takes her third game in a row and opens up a 3-1 lead in the deciding set!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 2-1 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
17:02 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu is playing nicely, and takes a 0-30 lead on Pegula’s serve. Raducanu sets up three break points, and she is playing some lovely tennis.
Raducanu breaks to love! It was a bit fortunate because of a big misshit that just went in her favour, but she won’t mind how it comes.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 1-1 Jessica Pegula
16:59 , Sonia Twigg
After an extensive rally, that Pegula just hangs into, she manages to put the pressure on and go 15-30 ahead. But the American cannot back it up with another, and returns into the net.
The game goes to deuce, but Raducanu takes the advantage and lets out a big yell after hitting a brilliant high forehand winner.
Raducanu just pauses before her serve, and pulls out a big ace to level the third set!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 0-1 Jessica Pegula*
16:54 , Sonia Twigg
It’s 15-15 at the start of the deciding set. Pegula serves first.
Raducanu plays a stunning forehand shot after a slightly weak approach shot to level it again at 30-30.
The first game goes to deuce, but Pegula holds.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) Jessica Pegula
16:45 , Sonia Twigg
Immediately after levelling the match, Raducanu has headed off court, which might just be for a comfort break.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) Jessica Pegula
16:44 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu slices the ball into the net with the first point, and Pegula is just keeping the ball in play without trying to win the point.
Raducanu makes another error, and Pegula eases to a 3-0 lead. Raducanu wins a great point, the forehand finds the corner, and it’s 1-3 in favour of the American.
The Briton has fought back into this with a powerful forehand, and fights back from 3-0 down to 3-3. The players are now going toe to toe and Raducanu moves 5-3 ahead.
Again it’s levelled at 5-5, but Pegula carves out match point. It’s on Raducanu’s serve, but the Briton saves it with a winning shot!
Raducanu has set point! It will be on Pegula’s serve and she takes it!
For the first time in her career, Raducanu has taken a set off a top-10 opponent!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 Jessica Pegula*
16:32 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula has been so calm in this must-win game, winning the first couple of points comfortably, but Raducanu fights back to 30-30 with a double fault from the American.
But Pegula stays composed in the next one and the second seed is looking in control, and takes the game to take the second set to a tie break.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-5 Jessica Pegula
16:28 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula seems to have changed her tactic now and is just playing the ball a lot more central and waiting for Raducanu to make a mistake.
Raducanu establishes a 40-15 lead, and holds. She will have another go at Pegula’s serve before a potential tie break.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 5-5 Jessica Pegula*
16:25 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu plays a stunning forehand to win the first point on Pegula’s serve. Raducanu is one game away from winning the second set and levelling the match.
The Briton plays another powerful backhand and goes 0-30 up, but misses a backhand attempted passing winner.
Raducanu uses her last challenge, and she loses it. The ball was just out, and it’s 30-30, and she has a set point after a Pegula double fault.
The crowd sighs as she can’t win the set at her first go, and the game goes to deuce. Pegula moves into the advantage, and manages to hold!
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 5-4 Jessica Pegula
16:18 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula then wins the first point on Raducanu’s serve.
But Raducanu fights back to a 30-15 lead, and another great serve to go 40-15 up, and she does go on to take the game.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 4-4 Jessica Pegula*
16:15 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu has exploded at the start of this game, with a couple of stunning forehands to take the first point, but it’s level after the second.
Pegula then goes ahead with a cross-court forehand, and wins the game.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 4-3 Jessica Pegula
16:11 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu is down to one challenge after wasting one on her first serve of the first point, and then loses the point with an overhit forehand.
But she levels it with a good, wide serve that Pegula cannot return inside the court’s lines, and moves ahead with a great forehand to pass the American who had come to the net.
Raducanu double faults to make it 40-30, but she does manage to hold!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 3-3 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
16:07 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula double faults at the start of her service match, and with a fine return, Raducanu moves 0-30 ahead.
Raducanu overhits a backhand return, and Pegula has her first point of the game.
Pegula overhits one now, and Raducanu has two break points, and she only needs one of them! That could be really important in the course of the match.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 2-3 Jessica Pegula
16:03 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu plays a great serve to start the serve, and quickly establishes a 30-0 lead.
Pegula can barely get the racket on another one that goes into the net and Raducanu moves 40-0 up, and takes the game with a stunning backhand across the court.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 1-3 Jessica Pegula*
16:01 , Sonia Twigg
It’s 15-15 on Pegula’s serve, but Raducanu is just seeming a little out of sorts, sitting down between the change of ends when she’s not supposed to.
Another shot is thrashed into the net, and Pegula holds.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 1-2 Jessica Pegula*
15:56 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu’s first serve percentage in the second set is at just 29 percent and she is struggling.
The ball sat up for Pegula, who hits a good winner, and to move 0-30 ahead. But the next point was better, playing some great baseline strokes to pull a point back with a backhand winner.
But Pegula just had another one sit up for her, and she has two break points. A good aggressive second serve saves one of them,
Raducanu takes the game to deuce with a stunning cross-court forehand, and carves out an advantage to avoid being broken for the second time in this set, but it’s level again with another overhit shot.
The Briton has another advantage, and this one she does take!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 0-2 Jessica Pegula*
15:50 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu had set the point up so well with the score 15-15, but her attempted winner was hit too long.
The 21-year-old played some exceptional tennis to get back into the first set, pulling it back from 4-1 to 4-4, but has struggled to find the same rhythm since.
Pegula holds to 15 after using the slice cleverly.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 0-1 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
15:47 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu serves at the start of the second set. She quickly establishes a 30-0 lead.
But she hasn’t made a first serve in the game, and Pegula punishes another second serve to pull a point back, and a strong backhand to make it level.
The world number five is showing her quality here. Raducanu misses another forehand, and Pegula has a break point at the start of the second set.
Pegula takes the game and Raducanu has been broken again!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 Jessica Pegula* - SET
15:41 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula has a chance to serve for the set, and she eases to a 30-0 lead.
Someone’s phone in the crowd was ringing that just led to a pause, and it has caused her to lose her concentration, Pegula double faults. 30-15.
Pegula sets up an approach shot and fires past Raducanu to set up two set points. The first was saved as Pegula’s attempted winner was just in the tramlines, but takes the next.
Raducanu’s return just drops outside the baseline and Pegula takes the opening set.
Emma Raducanu* 4-5 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
15:36 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu is wrestling control of this match, and having been on the back foot at the start, and going two breaks down she is now dictating play with ease.
This is a complete role reversal. Pegula pulls a point back to 30-15. Raducanu double faults and Pegula has a break point, and she takes it!
That’s a shame, Raducanu’s serve let her down and she has now been broken three times.
Emma Raducanu 4-4 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
15:31 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula is starting to make some errors as Raducanu continues to try and switch up her returns and strokeplay.
Raducanu fights back and plays some stunning ground strokes to set up a winner, and she has really grown into the match. 30-30.
Raducanu carves out a break point, and she takes it! Pegula hits the ball into the net, and Raducanu does a fist-pump celebration.
Emma Raducanu* 3-4 Jessica Pegula
15:26 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu needs to hold here, and she goes 30-0 up with a second ace! But a double fault gives Pegula a point back.
Pegula hits a return long, and Raducanu has a chance to hold at 40-15. She takes it! There was a bit of fortune off the net, but she is fighting back into this set.
Emma Raducanu 2-4 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
15:23 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula wins the first point on her serve. Raducanu is struggling here, Pegula is timing the ball so sweetly.
But it’s level at 15-15 after a Pegula double fault, and the American follows it up with a wild overhit forehand.
Raducanu has a break point! She plays the ball well around the court and wins the point with a forehand down the line.
However she can’t convert and it’s level at deuce. Raducanu has been given a stroke of luck and another break point! The ball just bounced off the net and dropped into the other side of the court.
Again the break chance is saved with a big serve from Pegula, and Raducanu has played a stunning return for a third break point.
Raducanu breaks back with the best point of the match! That was played all over the court and Raducanu volleys to break back!
Emma Raducanu* 1-4 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
15:17 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula wins the first point of Raducanu’s service game, and the Briton misses the next point, hitting a forehand into the net.
And Pegula sets up three break points with a return forehand winner down the line, and takes the game to love.
That’s Pegula’s second break!
Emma Raducanu 1-3 Jessica Pegula*
15:14 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu had cleverly set up a chance with a winner with a slice, but missed the down-the-line backhand, and Pegula follows it up with a backhand winner to go 30-0 up.
Pegula fires in an ace down the middle to go 40-0 ahead, and holds to love.
Emma Raducanu* 1-2 Jessica Pegula
15:11 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu starts her second service match with her first ace of the day.
The Briton tried to change the spin of the ball, and has worked for her, Pegula plays the ball into the net, Raducanu up 30-0.
But the next shot she makes an error with an overhit backhand and hands Pegula a way back into the game.
Raducanu inches further ahead with a big overhead smash, but again Pegula’s powerful striking keeps her just a point behind with a cross-court forehand, but the British player holds.
Emma Raducanu 0-2 Jessica Pegula*
15:06 , Sonia Twigg
Pegula plays a stunning backhand up the line to win the first point on her serve, and quickly moves 30-0 ahead.
Raducanu hits a backhand into the net and Pegula has a chance to hold to love, which she takes with an ace!
Emma Raducanu* 0-1 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
15:04 , Sonia Twigg
Raducanu is the first to serve and she moves comfortably into a 30-15 lead.
But Pegula gets a good connection on the return and levels again.
Just a reminder that it is hot in Eastbourne, and Pegula has gone for a long-sleeved outfit.
Raducanu goes 40-30 ahead when Pegula hits one into the net, and a chance to secure an early hold in this match. She misses an attempted ace down the middle, and double faults to take the game to deuce.
Pegula has fought back into this and set up an early break point, and takes it.
Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula
15:00 , Sonia Twigg
The players are out on court and the match is about to get underway
Boulter speaks after her straight sets win
14:46 , Sonia Twigg
Boulter: “Honestly I was just trying to slap a little bit harder than she was. I just tried to be as aggressive and consistent as I could be.
“I’m very happy.”
On the impact of winning Nottingham: “It’s definitely taken a lot of pressure off me. This season is a slightly different situation for me. Today was a match I had nothing to lose, just swinging and having fun.
Game, set match Boulter!
14:44 , Sonia Twigg
Boulter eased to a 15-0 lead, and follow it up with a wide ace.
Boulter wins the match on her first match point to go through into the quarter-finals with a 6-4 7-5 win over a former champion and the number five seed of the tournament.
Ostapenko is the first Grand Slam winner that Boulter has beaten.
Boulter squanders two break points, but still manages to win the game
14:39 , Sonia Twigg
Boulter produced a stunning backhand return down the line to set up two break points, but the first one was saved with a powerful Ostapenko serve down the middle.
But she manages to save another and it’s all level at deuce. Boulter has another chance, and this time she does take it, moving to a 6-5 lead in the second set. She will now serve for the match.
Boulter and Ostapenko level again
14:33 , Sonia Twigg
Boulter holds to 15, after Ostapenko secured a hold of her own, and it’s 5-5 in the second set, after the Briton won the first.
Boulter fights hard to avoid being broken
14:26 , Sonia Twigg
Katie Boulter has had to dig in hard to avoid being broken.
Ostapenko challenges the call on the baseline, and the call is overturned. Boulter thought she had held on her serve, but will have to replay the point.
And Ostapenko wins the next point to make it level again at deuce. Boulter manages to reclaim the advantage with a winner backhand and follows it up to level in the second set. 6-4 4-4
Jelena Ostapenko fighting back in second set
14:13 , Lawrence Ostlere
The second set has been more even and Katie Boulter is having to dig in, as the pair exchange breaks of serve. Boulter is currently serving at 6-4, 3-4.
Results so far today at Devonshire Park
14:06 , Lawrence Ostlere
Men’s singles, round of 16:Miomir Kecmanovic, Serbia, def. Sebastian Baez (4), Argentina, 6-3, 6-2.Billy Harris, Britain, def. Charles Broom, Britain, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, def. Marcos Giron, United States, 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2.Women’s singles, round of 16:Madison Keys (4), United States, def. Anhelina Kalinina, Ukraine, 7-6 (5), 6-1.Karolina Muchova, Czechia, def. Magda Linette, Poland, 6-4, 6-1.
Boulter wins first set!
13:39 , Lawrence Ostlere
Katie Boulter gets the job down, serving it out to take the first set 6-4. A big task now for the former French Open champion Ostapenko.
Katie Boulter makes fast start against Jelena Ostapenko
13:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
Katie Boulter is out on Centre Court right now and she has made a really positive start, breaking Ostapenko twice, although the Latvian has broken back once.
Boulter leads 5-3 as Ostapenko serves to keep the first set alive.
Yesterday: Boulter beats Martic to set up Ostapenko match
12:55 , Lawrence Ostlere
Elsewhere yesterday, Katie Boulter, who defeated Raducanu en route to retaining the Nottingham Open title earlier this month, overcame Petra Martic 6-1 7-6 (8) to set up a last-16 showdown with 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
British wildcard Yuriko Miyazaki was comprehensively beaten 6-1 6-2 by Belgium’s Elise Mertens.
Raducanu sends out defiant message after first-round win
12:44 , Lawrence Ostlere
Having opted to sit out Roland Garros, Raducanu built on her recent run to the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open with a victory she ranked among the best of her grass-court career.
The world No 168, who was later joined in round two of the Rothesay International by British number Katie Boulter, will next face American second seed Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu admits to previously feeling compelled to compete at every opportunity in the aftermath of clinching grand slam glory aged just 18.
“It’s pretty natural becoming a different person overnight almost with the circumstances, not necessarily myself, at such a young age,” she said.
“It’s easier to get caught up in it and at one point I was chasing playing too many tournaments and then I was just picking up niggle after niggle in every tournament because I never really gave myself any time to do the training.
“That is something I’ve done a lot better this year. Even though I might get challenged or questioned for not playing certain tournaments, like the French Open or the Olympics, that is just part of it, doing things at my own speed and how I want to, rather than how everyone else thinks is best for me.”
Raducanu sends out defiant message after first-round win
12:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
“I’m going to do things on my own time,” said Raducanu, who has been given a wildcard to compete at the All England Club next week. “I’m in no rush to do anything and everything I am doing and playing for now is for myself.
“Whether that’s tournament scheduling, whether that’s how much time I take off to train compared to compete, I think I’m just way more focused on my own lane and less susceptible to outside opinions or views. I’m just enjoying it, just doing everything for myself and really just being independent out here.”
Raducanu sends out defiant message after first-round win
12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
Emma Raducanu is determined to operate on her own terms after defending her decision not to play the French Open or Paris Olympics following a stunning Eastbourne win over Sloane Stephens.
The ex-British No 1 on Monday declared herself back in love with the sport having struggled with injuries and form since being thrust into the spotlight by her shock US Open triumph in 2021.
Raducanu delivered in style on her Devonshire Park debut, producing a string of eye-catching winners to triumph 6-4 6-0 in a big-hitting first-round battle of former Flushing Meadows champions.
The 21-year-old, who missed the entire grass-court season last year due to wrist and ankle surgery, wrote “my own pace” on a television camera after making an impressive statement ahead of Wimbledon.
How to watch tennis at Eastbourne
11:52 , Lawrence Ostlere
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the British grass court season live on the BBC, with coverage of Eastbourne on BBC Two from 1pm BST. A live stream wil be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula?
11:36 , Lawrence Ostlere
The second round match at Eastbourne is due to take this afternoon, and is the second match on Centre Court. It will follow the conclusion of Katie Boulter’s encounter with Jelena Ostapenko, which begins at 12.30pm BST.
Emma Raducanu v Jessica Pegula
11:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
Emma Raducanu continues her preparations for Wimbledon with a tough test against Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne.
Raducanu was in impressive form in dispatching fellow US Open winner Sloane Stephens in her opening test on the grass courts of the south coast, surging clear to a straight sets victory (6-4, 6-0).
It continued a promising start to the summer on the surface as the Brit gears up for a return to SW19 next week.
Second seed Pegula should provide another challenge at Devonshire Park with the American riding high after securing a first grass-court title in Berlin earlier in June.
Eastbourne tennis scores – live
11:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
Welcome along to live coverage from Eastbourne today as Britain’s Harriet Dart, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu all play in the round of 16.
