Crafty Karolina Muchova survives Emma Raducanu test to advance in Dubai

Karolina Muchova secured a hard-fought victory over Emma Raducanu, winning 7-6[8-6], 6-4 to reach the third round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The talented 28-year-old overcame a tough opening set and showcased her full repertoire to outplay the young star.

Despite the loss, the 2021 US Open champion displayed a strong level in Dubai. After an opening-round win against Maria Sakkari, Raducanu fought toe-to-toe with Muchova in a match that could have easily gone her way but was ultimately decided by fine margins in favour of the Czech.

Raducanu shows glimpses of brilliance

The first set started slowly for Raducanu, who struggled to hold serve. Muchova took control early on, capitalizing on the Brit's frequent errors to race to a 4-0 lead, converting two of her four break-point chances.

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However, Raducanu gradually found her rhythm and put pressure on Muchova by recovering one of the breaks. The Briton improved on serve, winning 56% of her service points compared to Muchova’s 54%, as the Czech began struggling with her first serve, allowing Raducanu to attack aggressively and shorten points.

Muchova relied on her usual weapons, frequently using slice shots to disrupt Raducanu’s rhythm and executing well-placed drop shots to win key points. In fact, during the tiebreak, her strategy of drawing Raducanu to the net proved crucial, as she fought back from 2-5 down to take the set 7-6[8-6], saving a set point in the process.

It was an entertaining set with multiple engaging rallies, but Muchova appeared more dominant, while Raducanu was forced to work harder from the baseline. Muchova won 61% of points on her first serve, compared to Raducanu’s 63%.

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Riding the momentum, Muchova secured an early break in the opening game of the second set, quickly seizing control. Leading 2-0, the pressure was on Raducanu, who squandered three break points at 2-4 down and later had to save four match points to stay alive.

In the closing stages, the former French Open finalist remained composed on serve and sealed a 7-6[8-6], 6-4 victory against an improving Raducanu. In the Round of 16, Muchova will face McCartney Kessler, who stunned 3rd seed Coco Gauff in straight sets.

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