Emma Raducanu, the top-ranked British tennis player, faced an early exit from the Dubai Tennis Championships, losing in her opening match.
Despite trailing by a set and a break against Antonia Ruzic, she rallied to push the match to a decisive third set, though the Croatian ultimately triumphed with scores of 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.
Ruzic, who holds the 67th position globally, gained entry into the main draw as one of seven lucky losers from the qualifying rounds, following withdrawals by numerous competitors due to injuries, sickness, or alterations in their schedules.
The Croatian athlete described the turn of events as a ‘crazy’ one, noting her minimal preparation before securing what marked her initial career victory against a top 30 player.
“Our plan was to remain here for a couple of days. It’s unbelievable considering I entered the tournament on Monday. Facing Emma, naturally, presents a challenging encounter,” Ruzic elaborated.
“Many of the female players were withdrawing, and a significant number weren’t present to register (as alternates). My thought was, ‘Alright, I’ll sign up and observe what unfolds’,” she added.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Raducanu’s originally scheduled opponent, withdrew due to an issue with her thigh, leading Ruzic to secure the opening set within 30 minutes after breaking Raducanu’s serve twice.
The player ranked 25th globally subsequently requested medical assistance, mirroring her action last week at the Qatar Open, where she was compelled to withdraw from her initial match.
Even after trailing 5-3 following another break of serve in the second set, Raducanu mounted a comeback, securing two breaks herself to level the match at one set all.
The British competitor secured six games consecutively, spanning the conclusion of the second set and the beginning of the third, establishing a 2-0 lead in the deciding set; however, Ruzic then claimed the subsequent six games to seal her win.
