Emma Raducanu Suffers Fourth Straight Loss at Qatar Open

DOHA, Qatar — Emma Raducanu‘s struggles continued on Sunday as she fell to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open, marking her fourth consecutive defeat on the circuit. The British tennis star lost in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, despite having early leads in both sets of the match.

Raducanu, the British number two, started the match positively, taking a 3-1 advantage in the first set. However, Alexandrova, ranked 26th in the world and fresh off a title win in Linz, swiftly regained control, closing out the first set by winning five consecutive games.

In the second set, Raducanu again surged ahead to a 3-1 lead, but Alexandrova broke back at a crucial moment at 5-5, allowing her to serve out the match. This defeat follows a disappointing series of matches for Raducanu, who reached the third round of the Australian Open last month but has not won a match since.

“I started well, but I just couldn’t maintain it,” Raducanu said after the match. “It’s frustrating because I know I can play better. I just need to find my rhythm.”

The loss continues a difficult period for Raducanu, who underwent wrist and ankle surgeries last year and has struggled to regain her form. Following her Australian Open exit, where she lost to Iga Swiatek, Raducanu suffered first-round defeats in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

Raducanu, currently ranked 60th in the world, received a wildcard entry into the Qatar Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the year. She noted after the match that she has no immediate plans to find a new coach following Nick Cavaday’s decision to step back for health reasons. Her mentor, Jane O’Donoghue, traveled to Doha to provide support during the tournament.

Alexandrova, boasting a newfound confidence after her recent victories, will next face world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the second round. The Russian’s form contrasts starkly with Raducanu’s current struggles but highlights Alexandrova’s resilience on the WTA Tour.

“It’s going to be tough against Aryna,” Alexandrova said, reflecting on her upcoming match. “She’s a top player, but I’ll give it my best.”

As Raducanu seeks to recover from this challenging phase, the pressure will be on her to secure a victory in her next tournaments and reestablish herself on the Tour.