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Australian Open 2022: Emma Raducanu wins first round match

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Emma Raducanu.Image source, Reuters

Emma Raducanu is back!

The British number one tennis star has won her first round match in the Australian Open today, beating former US Open champion, Sloane Stephens.

It's the 19-year-old's first Grand Slam appearance since winning the US Open in September. In doing so, Raducanu became the first British woman to win a major title in 44 years, and the first qualifier in history to lift a Grand Slam (one of the four big tournaments).

Fellow Brits Andy Murray and Heather Watson were on court on Tuesday too, winning their first round matches.

The Brits to watch out for

Image source, Reuters

Raducanu won her match against Sloane Stephens 6-0 2-6 6-1. She's through to the second round where she'll play Danka Kovinic of Montenegro on Thursday.

Murray had a five-set win against Georgian 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili.

He'll play his second round match against Japanese player, Taro Daniel, on Thursday.

British number two Heather Watson goes through to the next round after a win over Egypt's Mayar Sherif.

Fellow Brit Dan Evans is also through. He beat David Goffin in straight sets.

It was bad news for Cameron Norrie, Harriet Dart and Liam Broady, who were all knocked out in the first round.

What are Raducanu's chances of winning?

Image source, Reuters

Raducanu has struggled to find form since winning the US Open.

"I'm going to go out there and enjoy it," Raducanu said. "Just playing in this Grand Slam, I had to work so hard to be here.

"I feel like there's actually no pressure on me. I feel like I'm just happy to be here and have a swing."

If she does manage to win, she'll be making history as only the second woman to do so.

Naomi Osaka is the only woman in the last 20 years to follow her first Grand Slam title by immediately winning the next one.

What happened on day one?

Image source, Reuters

There were big hopes heading into the tournament for British men's number one player, Cameron Norrie.

However, the 12th seed was beaten in straight sets by American player, Sebastian Korda.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka started her campaign with a comprehensive first round victory.

And Rafael Nadal also won his opening match. If he goes on to win the tournament, Nadal will break the men's record for the most Grand Slam titles, with 21.