Emma Raducanu produced a superb comeback to beat Caroline Garcia and level Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie against France.
Raducanu grew in confidence as she beat world number 28 Garcia 3-6 6-3 6-2 on the clay court in Le Portel.
Anne Keothavong’s side had been on the back foot after British number one Katie Boulter earlier suffered a chastening 6-2 6-0 loss to Diane Parry.
The best-of-five tie concludes on Saturday.
Raducanu’s well-documented injury struggles have limited her time on the clay, as well as her appearances for her country.
She trailed former world number four Garcia by a set and a break before things truly clicked into place for her, with her serve, forehand and a series of blistering returns helping her out.
Despite an entertaining moment where Raducanu started to celebrate victory before realising the score was only 5-1, the 21-year-old looked dialled in and, crucially, still fresh as she sealed a hard-fought victory.
Raducanu said afterwards: “I don’t know what happened. It was quite embarrassing!
“All I was thinking was: If I lose this, I’m going to look like a right muppet. So I’m very happy I managed to pull it through.”
The hope for Britain now will be that she is able to replicate her form in tomorrow’s reverse singles.
More to follow.
