Emma Raducanu is the US Open champion, she has reached the second week of Wimbledon and her name is already known across the world. And yet, in front of only a smattering of tournament staff in Cluj‑Napoca’s BTarena, the 18‑year‑old Briton realised two of the many elementary achievements that she had not yet attained: she played three sets in a tour-level match for the first time, and she picked up her first victory at a WTA tournament.

As she stood on the brink of defeat, Raducanu shrugged off errors and mounting frustration before elevating her level in the pivotal moments to defeat Polona Hercog of Slovenia 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. It is Raducanu’s first win since her title triumph in New York and she will face the home favourite Ana Bogdan in the second round of the Transylvania Open. Read More