Emma Raducanu suffered her third consecutive defeat as she was knocked out of the Abu Dhabi Open, falling to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets.
The British number two lost 6-3 6-4 in the first round, adding to recent exits at the Australian Open against Iga Swiatek and last week’s loss to Cristina Bucsa in Singapore.
The 22-year-old had initially received a wild card into qualifying but was promoted to the main draw for the clash against the Czech player.
Raducanu made a promising start to the match, breaking Vondrousova’s serve to establish an early 3-1 advantage.
Emma Raducanu is out of the Abu Dhabi Open
WTA
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the following game as Vondrousova immediately broke back, converting her sixth break point opportunity.
The Czech player, who had not competed since Wimbledon due to injuries, appeared to find her rhythm after the early setback.
This marked their third career meeting, with the pair having split their previous encounters.
Raducanu appeared to struggle with neck discomfort during the match as her early advantage slipped away.
Vondrousova seized control of the opening set, reeling off five consecutive games to take it 6-3.
The former Wimbledon champion’s assault on Raducanu’s serve proved decisive in the first set turnaround, completely reversing the British player’s early break advantage.
The Czech star, who had spoken about finally feeling healthy ahead of the tournament, demonstrated her returning prowess throughout the opening set.
Emma Raducanu was knocked out by Marketa Vondrousova on Tuesday
WTA
The second set proved a tighter affair, with both players remaining on serve through the first six games to 3-3.
A crucial break came in the eighth game when Raducanu surrendered her serve from 30-0 up, losing four straight points.
Despite breaking back immediately when Vondrousova showed nerves while serving for the match at 5-3, Raducanu couldn’t maintain the revival.
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Marketa moves 🔛@VondrousovaM defeats Raducanu in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 and will face Putintseva in the next round! #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/CytBTZ5hUb
— wta (@WTA) February 4, 2025
Vondrousova created three match points in Raducanu’s next service game, converting the third to secure her place in the second round against fourth seed Yulia Putintseva.
Raducanu is currently travelling with only fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura following former coach Nick Cavaday’s departure due to health reasons.
However, she had additional support in Abu Dhabi from Roman Kelecic, an old childhood mentor now based in Dubai, who has been helping her this week.
The temporary coaching arrangement comes as Raducanu continues to seek stability in her support team following recent changes.