Raducanu fends off qualifier to win opener at Roland Garros

Emma Raducanu showed great determination to fight back and edge Czech qualifier Linda Noskova 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-1 in the first round at the French Open on Monday.

The US Open champion broke serve twice in the opening set but was pegged back to a tie-break by the 17-year-old.

Raducanu hit back to take the second before racing away with the deciding set to reach the second round in Paris on her main draw debut.

"I mean it was an absolute battle," said Raducanu, who will play Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus next. "I have to say Linda is playing some amazing tennis and she really came out there firing.

"As soon as I dropped my ball speed, she was all over me and killing me from the end of the first set. So, it was definitely really challenging in the second set to hold on and keep holding my serve and break back a couple of times.

"I am really proud of the way I fought but all props to Linda as she played an amazing match.

"Honestly, I have no expectations of myself. You know I am really happy to be able to be competing here after Rome.

"I really fought hard to be here in this second round and I am looking forward to trying to stay as long as possible."

Raducanu had insisted she was fit to compete despite pulling out of the Italian Open in Rome with a back injury earlier this month, the latest in a series of niggles that have afflicted her since the US Open.

Nevertheless, things seemed to be going to plan when the 19-year-old - also making her senior debut on the Paris clay - eased into a 2-0 lead with a break and a comfortable hold.

But Noskova knows her way around the red dirt - the Czech is the reigning girls' champion here and is ranked 184th - saved three break points before breaking back from 40-0 down.

The British No