Britain’s No. 1 Emma Raducanu’s preparations to defend her US Open title have begun with a first-round victory over Washington’s Louisa Chirico.
The 19-year-old went 6-4 6-2 in 87 minutes for her first win of the North American hardcourt season.
“It definitely feels good to win in Washington,” Raducanu said.
“After not playing at Wimbledon this year or after many games, I think it’s a really good feeling to be on the board.”
The world number 10 will face Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the second round of the Washington Open as she continues her preparations for the annual Grand Slam, which begins on August 29.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Dan Evans secured a third-round spot with a 6-1 6-2 victory over compatriot Kyle Edmund and will now face American Taylor Fritz ( Taylor Fritz) or Alexei Popyrin of Australia.
“My focus is really good,” said Evans, 32. “It’s always good to start a new swing with a win, and it’s nice to go into the third round.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s Jack Draper lost 6-4 6-2 to top seed Andrei Rublev of Russia.
Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios made his first appearance since losing his Grand Slam final debut as the Australian beat American Marcos Gillon 6-3 6-2.
At the Silicon Valley Classic in California, Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka returned for the first time since May, beating China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-4 3-6 6-1, and 18-year-old American Coco Gauff Sr. 6-1 6-0 defeated Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine.
“What has always impressed me about Coco is her mentality,” said Osaka, 24. “She’s improving every year, so I think she has a lot to learn, and it’s only a matter of time before she wins a major.”
