Emma Raducanu made a successful start at the Slovenia Open as she secured a comfortable opening win over Dayana Yastremska.
The British teenager is the top seed in Portoroz and was just two points away from victory at 6-2 5-3 when her Ukrainian opponent retired with injury, following treatment on a wrist issue.
In her first match since the US Open, in which her defence of the title at Flushing Meadows ended in the first round as she was beaten by Alize Cornet, Raducanu showed encouraging signs and lost her serve just once. She will face either Elizabeth Mandlik or qualifier Anna-Lena Friedsam next.
Raducanu has spoken of a “clean slate” after that early defeat in New York dropped her 72 places in the world rankings, leaving her 83rd after 12 months where consistency and full fitness have not come easy.
A deep run in Slovenia would give her ranking a swift boost and the 19-year-old has been able to benefit from the time away from the spotlight since her exit at the US Open.
“Obviously no one wants to win by retirement,” Raducanu said after the match.
“But Dayana is an extremely ferocious competitor so I knew it was going to be a tough match going in.”
She added: “I came here really, really early and it’s been really nice here.
“I think it’s a beautiful place to have a tournament. Amazing views, great food so I’m loving my time here.”
