DUBAI — Emma Raducanu’s run at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships came to an end in the second round as she was defeated by 14th seed Karolina Muchova in a tough battle, 7-6 (6), 6-4.
Raducanu, 22, had a difficult start to the match, falling 4-0 behind in the opening set after losing both of her service games. However, she showed resilience, fighting back to take the first set to a tie-break. The British player saved two set points and managed to stay in the contest, but Muchova ultimately prevailed 8-6 in the tie-break to take the first set.
The second set saw Raducanu struggle again as Muchova broke her serve in the first game. Despite earning three break points in the sixth game, Raducanu was unable to capitalize, and Muchova sealed the win with a 6-4 victory.
Raducanu’s defeat was compounded by the emotional toll it took on her. She appeared to be in tears as she walked to the umpire’s chair after the second game of the match.
Muchova will now advance to face American McCartney Kessler, who earlier upset world number three Coco Gauff in straight sets. Kessler claimed a first top-10 win with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Gauff, who was unable to turn the match around after dropping the first set.
In contrast, world number one Aryna Sabalenka made short work of Veronika Kudermetova, winning 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini took nearly five hours to defeat Germany’s Eva Lys, clinching a 6-2, 7-5 victory after a long rain delay.
Iga Swiatek also dominated her match, dispatching Victoria Azarenka with a 6-0, 6-2 scoreline. Other notable wins included Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Dayana Yastremska, Sofia Kenin, and Clara Tauson, who all advanced in the tournament.
