RAD TO BE BACK

Injury-free Emma makes winning return to court

EMMA RADUCANU celebrated her long-awaited return from injury with a gutsy three-set win - and then admitted being back on court beat being "bedridden or in a wheelchair".

The 21-year-old Brit saw off good friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3 4-6 7-5 at the ASB Classic in New Zealand in her first match since April.

Raducanu's 2023 season was cut short when she underwent three operations on both her wrists and left ankle.

And speaking after a triumphant start to her comeback, the world No.301 conceded the winning feeling was in stark contrast to the long road to recovery she has endured.