US Open champion Emma Raducanu wins opening round Madrid Open match after split from coach

Reigning U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu made headlines earlier this week when she confirmed she was splitting from coach Torben Beltz after the two worked together for roughly five months. 

The 19-year-old returned to winning ways in the opening round of the Madrid Open on Friday, but it was no easy task. 

As explained by Sky Sports and Tumaini Carayol of The Guardian, Raducanu trailed Tereza Martincova 5-2 in the opening set of the match but rallied from behind to earn a 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 victory. Earlier this month, Raducanu defeated Martincova at the Billie Jean King Cup 7-5, 7-5.

"It was a tricky first set," Raducanu admitted after her latest result. "I think it's always tough playing on a brand new court, so it took me a little bit to adjust to my surroundings.

"And, of course, if you're low or lacking in your own game then an opponent at this level is going to take advantage of that. I'm just glad I stuck through the first set and then definitely relaxed in the second. I love Madrid, I've been out once, it's such a cool vibe. I'm looking forward and hopefully I get to spend some more days here."

Currently, Raducanu is working with Lawn Tennis Association coach Iain Bates and potentially could continue to do so through the French Open that begins on May 22. She parted ways with coach Andrew Richardson after her historic win in New York last summer because she wished to work with somebody more experienced with the biggest events on the WTA Tour. 

Raducanu will enter the weekend ranked No. 11 in the WTA rankings.