Raducanu takes her revenge on fan favourite Cirstea

Emma Raducanu won the first match of a double-up day at Queen’s on Friday, with the Briton springing to life for a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Sorana Cirstea.

The 36-year-old Romanian who won the hearts of French fans at Roland Garros as she ran to the quarter-finals as she plays: out her farewell season.

Raducanu had no sympathy as she avenged a February finals loss at the Transylvanian Open to the No. 18.

The Briton ranked 42nd is due on court later to play out a quarter-final which was delayed a day by a week of rainy London weather.

 “It feels incredible to come out and play how I did today against Sorana,” the winner said. “She’s been in incredible form this year and had some amazing wins. 

“Earlier in the year she beat me but I’m really glad I could get her back at home as well.”

Raducanu added: “I played at a really high level, I knew I had to go out and play aggressively and dictate. As soon as I took my foot off the gas a little bit she was coming back.

“I have another match to come later, so I hope you guys can stick around!

“Thanks so much to everyone who stuck around yesterday, I really wanted to show some good tennis to make up for yesterday’s rain delays.”

Katie Boulter put a second local into the last eight with her 6-1, 6-3 defeat of another Romanian in Jacqueline Cristian

WTA No. 2 Elena Rybakina accounted for German defending champion Tatjana Maria 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-0 comeback effort in west London.

Main photo:- Emma Raducanu celebrates – by Mark Greenwood/ISF Ltd