Raducanu beaten by lucky loser in Dubai first round

British number one Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round. She recovered from a set and a break down against Antonia Ruzic to force a decider but the Croatian prevailed, winning 6-1 5-7 6-2. Ruzic is ranked 67th in the world and was one of seven lucky […]

British number one Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round.
She recovered from a set and a break down against Antonia Ruzic to force a decider but the Croatian prevailed, winning 6-1 5-7 6-2.
Ruzic is ranked 67th in the world and was one of seven lucky losers from qualifying to fill the main draw after several players pulled out through injury, illness or a schedule change.
The Croatian said it was a ‘crazy turnaround,’ with little preparation time for what became her first career top 30 win.
Raducanu’s initial opponent Elisabetta Cocciaretto was ruled out with a thigh problem, and Ruzic won the first set in 30 minutes having twice broken Raducanu.