Emma Raducanu Falls To Vondrousova At Abu Dhabi Open  - UBITENNIS

Emma Raducanu Falls To Vondrousova At Abu Dhabi Open 

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read
Emma Raducanu - Australian Open 2025 (foto X @AustralianOpen)

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has suffered back-to-back first round losses on the Tour for the first time in over a year after losing her opening match at the Abu Dhabi Open. 

The British No.2 entered the WTA 500 event with the help of a wildcard but was ousted in straight sets by Marketa Vondrousova, who won 6-3, 6-4. Both players produced more unforced errors than winners in what was a roller-coaster encounter at times. 

Raducanu will be frustrated with her missed opportunities after moving to a 3-1 lead in the opening set before losing five games in a row. Then in the second frame, both players were evenly matched until two consecutive error-stricken service games from Raducanu opened the door for former Wimbledon champion Vondrousova to seal victory. 

“It was a tough match,” Vondrousova said afterwards. “She played some great rallies and it was a battle till the end. So I’m very happy and I can’t wait for my next match.”

The defeat comes during what has been a troublesome start to 2025 for Raducanu. After missing her opening tournament in Auckland due to a back issue, she reached the third round of the Australian Open before suffering a crushing 6-1, 6-0, defeat to Iga Swiatek. Since then, she has lost her opening matches in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Away from the court, her former coach Nick Cavaday has ended their collaboration due to health reasons. 

Meanwhile, Vondrousova has also experienced her own struggles on the Tour with a shoulder injury sidelining her from action for six months last season. Then at the start of this season, she suffered another injury in Adelaide that resulted in her missing the Australian Open. She has played just three Tour-level matches so far this year, including one she retired from.

“It’s always good to be back. I’m grateful to be back,” she said.

“Playing healthy and trying to enjoy (playing tennis) as much as I can.”

Vondrousova will next play fourth seed Yulia Putintseva. 

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