Emma Raducanu was defeated by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open, marking her fourth consecutive loss. Raducanu led 3-1 in both sets but could not secure the win, losing 6-3, 7-5. Alexandrova will face Aryna Sabalenka next, while Raducanu’s struggles continue to raise concerns.
Emma Raducanu faced a disappointing defeat in the first round of the Qatar Open, losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. This match marked Raducanu’s fourth consecutive loss, a first in her professional career. Despite leading 3-1 in both sets, she could not maintain her advantage, allowing Alexandrova to secure victory.
Raducanu, who received a wildcard entry for the Doha tournament, started the match with promise, having previously beaten Alexandrova in January’s Australian Open. However, Alexandrova quickly turned the tide by winning five straight points to clinch the first set. In the second set, after falling behind early, Raducanu regained the lead, but Alexandrova’s timely break at 5-5 allowed her to serve out the match.
The Qatar Open serves as the first WTA 1000 event of the year, and Alexandrova, currently ranked 26th in the world, will next compete against the top seed, world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu, who is ranked 60th, was accompanied by her mentor Jane O’Donoghue in Doha for support during this challenging tournament.
The Qatar Open is a significant tournament on the women’s tennis circuit, considered a WTA 1000 event, which attracts top-ranked players from around the world. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance since her breakthrough win. This particular match highlighted her struggle as it marked her fourth straight loss, a rarity for a player of her caliber.
Emma Raducanu’s first-round defeat at the Qatar Open by Ekaterina Alexandrova underscores her recent struggles on the court. Despite early leads, she could not capitalize, resulting in a straight-set loss and raising concerns about her form heading into the tournament. This match sets the stage for Alexandrova to compete against the world’s top-ranked player next.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
