Ever since Raducanu gained the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier, she has usually discovered herself on the centre of consideration.
It has been no completely different in Malaga this week and, whereas that may usually be uncomfortable in a crew setting, the main focus was justified with loads of intrigue about Raducanu’s health.
Raducanu had not performed since 21 September when she retired from her Korea Open quarter-final towards Daria Kasatkina after damaging ligaments in her left foot.
A month in the past she was nonetheless sporting a protecting boot. On Thursday she insisted she was prepared. However what form would she actually be in?
After a demoralising US Open first-round exit, Raducanu lamented the shortage of court docket time within the run-up and it led to legitimate questions on her match sharpness in Malaga.
Rustiness in her returning confirmed within the opening exchanges towards 92nd-ranked Niemeier earlier than she shortly started to seek out rhythm.
Her serving was notably efficient within the first set – particularly in the important thing moments.
Seven aces, together with 4 as she recovered from 0-40 for a 5-3 lead, and successful 80% of her factors on first serve did the injury.
Niemeier, 25, has a strong sport which lent itself to success on the Wimbledon grass however, after a powerful begin towards Raducanu, her service sport disintegrated and confidence appeared to sap.
After an trade of breaks early within the second set, Raducanu locked in once more mentally to maneuver a double break forward.
But when the hefty British presence on the Palacio de Deportes thought it was going to be easy conclusion from there, they have been mistaken.
Getting over the road was the place Raducanu’s lack of court docket time advised.
Raducanu misplaced one serve after squandering a match level at 5-2 with a double fault, couldn’t take three extra alternatives within the ninth sport, however lastly sealed victory on the sixth time of asking.
“I have never performed a match in a very long time so the sharpness will come. I am pleased with how I regrouped,” Raducanu stated.
