Emma Raducanu faces Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open, looking to end a three-match losing streak. Raducanu won their previous encounter but has struggled since, while Alexandrova has a four-match winning streak after winning her first WTA 500 title. Analysts predict Alexandrova to win in two sets as she aims to continue her momentum against Raducanu.
Emma Raducanu faces Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open as she looks to end a three-match losing streak. Raducanu, with a current record of 2-3 this season, faces a motivated opponent who seeks to avenge her Australian Open defeat. Although Raducanu previously edged Alexandrova in their last meeting, her recent form has been inconsistent, making her the underdog in this match.
Alexandrova, a five-time WTA champion, enters the tournament with a four-match winning streak, including her first WTA 500 title in Linz. Her recent success has shifted her confidence, while Raducanu heads into the match without a win in her last three outings. The Russian player aims to use her current momentum to secure another victory and progress to face top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Both players recently faced each other at the Australian Open, where Raducanu narrowly won in straight sets. However, she delivered a shaky performance with numerous double faults, indicating potential vulnerabilities in her game. This upcoming clash will mark their second encounter, with Raducanu hoping to replicate her previous victory against a now-formidable Alexandrova.
Given Alexandrova’s recent form and Raducanu’s struggles, analysts predict another win for Alexandrova, who has the momentum and confidence from her recent successes. As the No. 25 player, Alexandrova is anticipated to leverage her improved performance to overcome Raducanu, aiming to avoid an early exit like last year’s tournament.
The Qatar Open serves as an important WTA 1000 event in the tennis calendar, attracting top-ranked players. Emma Raducanu, a rising star since her US Open victory, has struggled to find consistent form this season. In contrast, Ekaterina Alexandrova has recently gained momentum, claiming her first WTA 500 title which significantly boosts her confidence going into the tournament. The match-up is pivotal as both players seek to establish their footing in the year’s early competitions.
In the first-round match at the Qatar Open, Emma Raducanu prepares to face Ekaterina Alexandrova as she aims to break a three-match losing streak. Despite Raducanu’s previous victory over Alexandrova, the Russian player comes into this match in strong form, making her the favorite to win. With each player’s current momentum starkly contrasting, expectations lean towards Alexandrova securing her fifth consecutive win.
Original Source: www.sportsmole.co.uk
