Emma Raducanu suffers straight-sets defeat by Vondrousova in Abu Dhabi | Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu suffered a 3rd straight defeat within the opening spherical of the Abu Dhabi Open. The 22-year-old was overwhelmed 6-3, 6-4 by the previous Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova so as to add to her losses to Iga Swiatek within the third spherical of the Australian Open and to Cristina Bucsa in Singapore final week.

Initially given a wild card into qualifying, the British No 2 was bumped as much as the principle draw and handed a tough opener towards Czech Vondrousova, who has struggled with damage since final summer time.

Raducanu made a robust begin however fell away badly through the latter levels of the opening set, whereas Vondrousova additionally edged an in depth second.

Raducanu is travelling with health coach Yutaka Nakamura after former coach Nick Cavaday’s resolution to step down for well being causes, however she did have one other previous childhood mentor, Roman Kelecic, in her nook.

Kelecic is now based mostly in Dubai however has been serving to out Raducanu this week, and initially the indicators have been constructive as she took benefit of a shaky begin on serve from her opponent to maneuver right into a 3-1 lead. However a protracted Raducanu service sport that adopted proved the turning level, with Vondrousova finally breaking after which reeling off 5 video games in succession.

Raducanu gave the impression to be battling discomfort in her neck and made quite a few errors, however she regrouped in the beginning of the second set and utilized sturdy strain to the Vondrousova serve. She couldn’t pressure a break, although, and was watching defeat after dropping serve herself within the eighth sport.

Raducanu broke again instantly however was unable to carry her personal supply as Vondrousova clinched victory.

Cameron Norrie recorded his first win of 2025 on the ATP Tour, beating seventh seed Alex Michelsen 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-1 on the Dallas Open.