Emma Raducanu crashes out in Qatar Open first round defeat against Anhelina Kalinina

British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu faced a disappointing defeat in the first round of the prestigious Qatar Open, falling to Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina in straight sets.

The match marked Raducanu’s first opening-round exit in 2024, following her inspiring comeback from a lengthy injury layoff.

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, struggled to find her rhythm and form in the contest, particularly in a dismal first set that saw her lose 6-0 to a resolute Kalinina.

The 21-year-old Raducanu, who had been showcasing promising performances since her return to the court in January, expressed her disappointment at her overall game, citing difficulties with her serve, return, forehand, and backhand during the match.

In a valiant effort in the second set, Raducanu displayed her trademark fighting spirit by saving two match points against Kalinina, showcasing glimpses of her resilience.

Despite a spirited fightback from Raducanu in the second set, she was unable to capitalize on a set point opportunity in the tie-break, ultimately succumbing to a 7-6 defeat.

Kalinina, the 30th-ranked player in the world, demonstrated composure and consistency throughout the match, earning her a well-deserved victory over Raducanu. The Ukrainian will now face the eighth-seed Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.

Raducanu, who received a wildcard entry into the Qatar Open, had hoped to make a strong showing in the competition but was unable to overcome the challenges posed by Kalinina’s solid game.

The Qatar Open, featuring a competitive field of players including Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, continues to be a platform for intense competition and surprises in the world of professional tennis.