WOMEN’S TENNIS: Emma Raducanu’s grand-slam return began with a victory over Shelby Rogers in the first round of the Australian Open.

Playing her first major tournament since a second-round exit to Coco Gauff here last year following surgery on both wrists and one ankle, the 21-year-old produced an assured performance to beat the American 6-3 6-2.

She is yet to reach the third round in Melbourne but looks to have a good chance ahead of a second-round clash with China’s Wang Yafan on Thursday.

MEN’S TENNIS: Dan Evans was unable to complete a perfect day for the British players at the Australian Open, losing 4-6 7-6 (8) 6-2 7-6 (4) to Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

The British number two said on Friday that he is not yet back to his best after tearing his calf last year. The match might have been different had Evans taken a second-set tie-break in which he led 4-0.

But Sonego fought back well, saving one set point at 8-7 before clinching it on his third chance.

MEN’S TENNIS: Cameron Norrie dispelled injury worries to ease into the second round of the Australian Open.

The British number one pulled out of the ASB Classic in Auckland last week ahead of his quarter-final because of a left wrist problem.

Norrie admitted he was concerned with so little time to recover but there were no causes for alarm in a 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory over Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas as he became the first British winner of the fortnight.

WOMEN’S TENNIS: Katie Boulter defeated Yuan Yue for her first Australian Open victory in five years.

The British number one has lost in qualifying in Melbourne the previous two years but made rapid strides up the rankings in 2023 and was impressive in a 7-5 7-6 (1) victory over in-form Yuan.

The only missed step from Boulter was two match points that went begging on her own serve at 5-4 in the second set.