Emma Raducanu vs Suzan Lamens LIVE: Result and reaction from Madrid Open as Raducanu wins in straight sets

“I know I had to play really well to win and although it wasn’t always my best, I got stuck in at the right moments,” Raducanu said.

“I’m proud of how I competed. It is a strength of mine when I can use it.”

The 22-year-old took a break from the WTA Tour following her run to the Miami Open quarter-finals last month, swapping tournament action for a training block ahead of the clay-court swing.

It appeared to pay dividends as she opened her campaign in the Spanish capital with a 7-6 6-4 win over Lamens.

Emma Raducanu will no doubt enjoy her hard-fought victory over Suzan Lamens today, but focus will quickly change to the next challenge at hand.

After booking her place in the second round of the Madrid Open, she has set up a clash with Ukraine’s Mata Kostyuk, the 22nd seed.

It’s a player she’s beaten in Madrid before, and she’ll hope to do it again as she looks to continue in fine stead in the Spanish capital.

Raducanu forces to Lamens to go wayward on her second serve, bucking the trend of falling behind at the beginning of service games.

She then goes just short with a deft drop shot but drills an ace to get back on track, before a strong forehand gives her a match point…

She gives her second serve the beans, and LAMENS GOES LONG! Raducanu claims victory after a tightly-fought battle in Madrid!

Once again, the game starts in favour of the returner, with nine of the last ten points going against the server.

Great work on the approach with Raducanu’s backhand as she forces Lamens to net and secures a 15-40 lead.

Lamens hits back but once again fires into the net to give Raducanu yet another break of serve!

The Brit will now be serving for the match…

Lamens has bounced back in incredible fashion here, taking 0-40 lead on defence.

Raducanu gets back a point, but a ferocious strike on the forehand does the damage and seals the break.