Emma Raducanu won the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington, beating Belgium's Elise Mertens in three sets.
The 21-year-old won his first-round match against the eighth seed 6-2 3-6 6-4.
Raducanu is still working his way back from wrist and ankle surgery and has turned down an invitation to represent Great Britain at the Olympics because he does not want to play on clay at Roland Garros, choosing instead to compete in this tournament.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Raducanu spoke about his return to the grass after missing last season and said he was 'very grateful' to be 'very healthy'.
The 2021 US Open champion won her only previous match against Mertens at Wimbledon earlier this month, losing just three games, and was looking to replicate the result by sweeping the first set with a five-game winning streak.
But Mertens fought back in the second set, cutting her mistakes and making the most of her only break of serve to level the match, with the former British No. 1 leading 40-0 in the sixth game.
Raducanu plays on US hard courts to prepare for US Open
Raducanu broke early in the final set but was unable to make the most of a 3-1 lead as Mertens fought back to save two break points to level the match at 3-3.
Raducanu saved five break points before taking another break point, but Mertens fought back in the next game to see the Briton finish the match.
But that only delayed the outcome, as Raducanu moved to match point with a backhand volley and Mertens' 11th double fault sealed the win.
What matches are on Sky Sports Tennis?
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA Tour.
Watch all the biggest tennis stars live ahead of the US Open, the last Grand Slam of 2024. Sky Sports They compete throughout the hardcourt season.
- Mubadala City DC Open (ATP/WTA 500) July 29 – August 4
- National Bank Open, Montreal (ATP 1000) August 6-12
- National Bank Open, Toronto (WTA 1000) August 6-12
- Cincinnati Open (ATP 1000) – August 12-19
- Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000) – August 13-19
- Winston-Salem Open (ATP 250) – August 18-24
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours on Sky Sports Tennis throughout 2024. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. Cancel anytime, no contract required.
