Australian Open 2025 results: Emma Raducanu begins her season with scrappy first-round win over Ekaterina Alexandrova

Raducanu led 3-1 with a break in the first set, but her sixth double fault to send it back on serve drew groans from her many supporters at Melbourne Park.

Worse was to follow.

Raducanu hit three more double faults in a poor ninth game, allowing Alexandrova to move ahead for the first time in the match at 5-4.

But the Russian couldn’t serve out and paid the price when Raducanu played an excellent first tie-break.

Raducanu looked to have settled in the second set, moving up an early break and confidently holding a 3-2 lead.

Then the double faults appeared again.

Three more in the sixth game piled on the pressure, but Raducanu tried to save two break points before Alexandrova held her serve for 4-4.

After failing to serve out at 5-4, Raducanu saved a set point in the 12th game with a first serve that Alexandrova – an aggressive ball attacker who cut a demonstrative figure – hit a long backhand.

Raducanu again dominated the tie-break, racing 6-0 ahead and winning on his third match point – after hitting a double fault on the first.

“That was the cherry on top,” laughed Raducanu.

Stepping up in the tie-breaks, she added: “I think that’s one of my strengths.

“When it comes to those clutch moments, I enjoy playing in it.”