Ekaterina Alexandrova got her revenge for her recent loss to Emma Raducanu, eliminating the 2021 US Open champion in the first round of the Doha Open with a 6-2, 7-5 victory. The Brit, who had defeated the Russian in their Australian Open opener just a month ago, couldn’t repeat her success against an outstanding Alexandrova this time.
In the first set, Raducanu was the first to gain an advantage, securing a break in the third game and taking a 3-1 lead in just over 15 minutes. However, the Brit struggled with her serve, landing only 55% of her first serves and winning just 50% of points on both first and second serves.
Alexandrova capitalized on Raducanu’s serving vulnerabilities and won five consecutive games, dominating from the baseline. She also performed better under pressure, saving 5 of 6 break points against her while converting 1 of her 3 opportunities.
The second set began with both players showing inconsistency on serve, exchanging early breaks in the first two games. Raducanu managed to hold and secure another break to go up 3-1, but once again, Alexandrova found a way to level the score.
The match remained tight until 5-5, with moments where Raducanu even seemed closer to a decisive break. However, Alexandrova held firm and broke at a crucial moment. Raducanu saved one match point, but the Russian eventually sealed the win on her own serve.
The world No. 25 now faces a tough second-round challenge against none other than world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s top favourite.
Second Round Incoming 😤
— wta (@WTA) February 9, 2025
Magdalena Frech knocks out Haddad Maia in a three set thriller, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2!#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/pxqkY3l4b6
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Fight the Good Fight... Tennis (sports in general) need more Humans such as yourself.
mandoist18-10-2026 - When is WTA going to mandate Genetic Testing (DNA) ???mandoist18-10-2026
- Hey, Dan... you just wake up from a coma? Regardless -- Thanks for the comedy this morning!mandoist18-10-2026
- Two Things: 1. Stop allowing these Spoiled Trust-Fund Elitists to behave badly. Your little hand-slaps do not deter them. 2. STOP the incessantly annoying "towel wiping" nonsense!!!!mandoist15-10-2026
- A healthy Qinwen may be hard to stop next season. She was already scaring her opponents before her medical leave(s). Unfortunately, Zheng insisted on singing again. On the positive side -- Mirra did not sing!! ;~}mandoist11-10-2026
- Where is it written that athletes, entertainers... People in general... are mandated to keep looking at -- or even using [anti]Social Media? Public & private figures consistently complain and reveal their concerns about negativity and violence thrown at them -- yet they insist on participating. Avoid it, don't use it, don't read it. It's okay to occasionally look up at the World instead beating your eyes & thumbs to death on The Inventions out there.mandoist11-10-2026
- great articlestennisseserver07-10-2026
- Medvedev was leading Djokovic 7-5, 3-5 when an attempted return..' NO you ignorants, Djokovic was leading .weiss05-10-2026
- No more bullshit "Wildcards" to these two. Qualify like everyone else -- there will be cameras there, too. Time to scream... WTF ????!!!!mandoist29-09-2026
- Let's not BS the general public -- Sabalenka started showing cracks in her game last season. Her losses and near-losses started at about the same time she began being distracted by Fame (constant Selfies, making TV commercials, magazine shoots, endless Social Media nonsense, etc., etc.) One would think even Saba could recognize the parallels with others who failed before her -- Raducanu, Giorgi, Bouchard to name a few.mandoist25-09-2026
Loading