Emma Raducanu beaten by Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets in first round of Abu Dhabi Open
Updated 04/02/2025 at 19:58 GMT
Former Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova was too hot for Emma Raducanu in their first-round meeting at the Abu Dhabi Open on Tuesday. Raducanu was given a late wildcard entry to the main draw, but couldn't take advantage despite a positive start to the match. Vondrousova only returned to action in January, following six months out after having shoulder surgery.
Robson identifies key 'difference' as Swiatek outclasses Raducanu
Video credit: TNT Sports
Emma Raducanu has been defeated in the first round of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open by former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
Czech Vondrousova, winner at the All England Club in 2023, claimed a 6-3 6-4 victory against the Briton on Tuesday.
Raducanu, the US Open champion in 2021, was promoted into the main 28-player field late on, having initially been expected to play in qualifying for the first time since that famous New York triumph.
The 22-year-old made a bright start too, moving 3-1 ahead with an early break of serve.
But Vondrousova soon moved up a gear and won five consecutive games to take the opening set.
Vondrousova, who only returned in January after six months out of action following shoulder surgery, did have to save four break points early in the second set.
- Raducanu searches for new coach after Cavaday steps down
- Nadal reflects on rivalries with Djokovic and Federer - 'We pushed ourselves to the limit'
She always looked to have too much power overall in the match, however, and broke for a 5-3 lead as she closed in on victory.
To Raducanu's credit, she kept her hopes alive by breaking back immediately.
But it was a temporary reprieve, as Vondrousova clinched victory in the next game, on the Raducanu serve.
Vondrousova will next play Kazakh fourth seed Yulia Putintseva.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/18/4085399-82845633-2560-1440.jpg)
'Score line was pretty harsh' - Raducanu reacts to humbling defeat to Swiatek
Video credit: SNTV
"I mean, it was a tough match. She played some great rallies and it was a battle until the end so I’m very happy and can't wait for my next match," Vondrousova said.
"It’s always great to be back. I’m very grateful to be back playing, to be healthy and I tried to enjoy as much as I can."
Raducanu has been with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura at the tournament.
She is currently looking for a new coach again after Nick Cavaday’s recent decision to step down for health reasons.
Raducanu, who has had a number of injury problems in recent years, struggled with discomfort in her neck at times during the match.
- - -
Watch and stream the 2025 tennis season on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement