Emma Raducanu's opponent for her first WTA match in nearly nine months at the 2024 ASB Classic in Auckland has been confirmed.
Raducanu has not competed since a straight sets loss to Jelena Ostapenko on the clay courts of Stuttgart back in April. It has been a long and difficult road back for the Briton.
The 2021 US Open champion was sidelined with wrist and and ankle problems. She also required surgeries for both those injuries to enable a full recovery, which increased her time out of the game.
Raducanu, who recently made a big claim about her comeback, is finally set to make her return in Auckland at the ASB Classic. Her upcoming first-round opponent presents a tricky and interesting challenge for the 21-year-old.
Elena-Gabriela Ruse is set to play Raducanu in the opening round in Auckland. The Romanian is the current world No. 128, and came through qualifying to earn herself a main draw clash against the Brit.
Raducanu has reasons to feel confident. Her first match back being against a player ranked outside the top 100 may give her some confidence. In addition, Ruse has undoubtedly been most comfortable playing on clay courts throughout her career.
However, Ruse did make a surprise run to a first hard court final at her home event in Transylvania at the end of last season. That shows Ruse is capable of playing quality hard court tennis when she finds her range.
It will be fascinating to observe how Raducanu fares in her first match back. Ruse will try to be consistent and extend the rallies, and it is not yet known how the Grand Slam champion will cope physically so early into her comeback.
Regardless, it will be terrific to have the 21-year-old back on the WTA Tour. Raducanu has spoken about wanting to regain her identity, and she now has a chance to do that.
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