Emma Raducanu falls in Qatar Open debut as Ekaterina Alexandrova gets her revenge
WTA
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
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