British tennis star Emma Raducanu has secured her first competitive victory in over three months, demonstrating significant resilience to overcome Camila Osorio at the Hobart International. The match, which was split over two days due to heavy rain, finished 6-3, 7-6 (2) in Raducanu's favour.
A Match Interrupted and a Momentum Shift
The contest against the world number 82 from Colombia was far from straightforward. Raducanu, the top seed in Hobart, had taken the first set comfortably but found herself in deep trouble in the second. Osorio raised her level, taking the ball early and forcing errors, racing to a 4-1 lead with a double break. Just as Raducanu clawed one break back, the rain arrived, suspending play overnight with the Briton serving at 2-4, deuce.
When the players returned to the court, a transformed Raducanu emerged. She aggressively stepped inside the baseline, dictating play with authority. Her forehand was a particular weapon, but she also struck her backhand down the line with precision. This assertive approach allowed her to win seven of the final nine games upon the restart, sealing the match with a dominant tie-break performance.
Overcoming Recent Challenges
This win holds extra significance for the 22-year-old, marking her first since September 2025. Her off-season and the start of the new campaign have been hampered by a foot injury, which limited her training and match play. Her only outing prior to Hobart was a three-set defeat to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup.
"These ones mean so much more," Raducanu reflected after the tight encounter. "It's such a fine line between winning and losing a match like that... I'm just really pleased with how I came out today and turned it around." She also praised Osorio's "incredible match" and defensive skills.
Technical Tweaks and Looking Ahead
Despite her injury lay-off, Raducanu used the time productively to work on technical adjustments. Observers have noted a slight lengthening of her forehand swing, a change designed to generate more power, spin, and weight of shot. This evolution is seen as a direct response to the bigger hitters on the WTA Tour who have overpowered her in recent seasons.
The victory provides a crucial opportunity to build match rhythm and confidence with these changes. Her next challenge in Hobart will be a second-round clash against Poland's Magdalena Frech, ranked 57th in the world. Another win would offer further proof that Raducanu is firmly back on track after a difficult period.
