Emma Raducanu Suffers Dubai Defeat to Lucky Loser After Medical Intervention
British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has been eliminated from the Dubai Tennis Championships in a dramatic first-round match against lucky loser Antonia Ruzic. The world number 67 required medical attention between sets but ultimately fell to a determined opponent in a three-set battle.
Medical Timeout Follows Dominant First Set
The match began with Croatian qualifier Antonia Ruzic asserting immediate control, securing the opening set 6-1 in just thirty minutes. Ruzic had only entered the main draw hours earlier following the withdrawal of Elisabetta Cocciaretto due to a thigh injury. Between sets, Raducanu called for the tournament doctor, wiping her face with a towel and appearing to take medication before continuing the contest.
The British number one showed resilience in the second set, creating multiple break point opportunities against her opponent's serve. Despite failing to convert five break points in the second game alone, Raducanu eventually broke Ruzic at the eighth attempt in the tenth game, sparking a remarkable comeback sequence.
Dramatic Momentum Swings in Decisive Third Set
Raducanu won four consecutive games to claim the second set 7-5, extending her winning streak to six games across sets when she broke Ruzic in the opening game of the decider. The former US Open champion appeared poised for victory, but the momentum shifted dramatically as Ruzic broke back immediately in the third game.
The Croatian player then held serve before breaking Raducanu again to establish a lead in the deciding set. Ruzic maintained her composure, holding serve once more before breaking the British star for a final time to secure the match 6-2 in the third set, winning six consecutive games after trailing 2-0.
Tournament Context and Performance Analysis
This defeat represents another challenging moment in Raducanu's comeback journey following her historic 2021 US Open triumph. The match demonstrated both her fighting spirit and the physical demands of professional tennis, with the medical timeout highlighting the intensity of competition at this level.
Antonia Ruzic's victory as a lucky loser underscores the unpredictable nature of tournament tennis, where replacement players can seize unexpected opportunities. The Croatian's ability to recover from a second-set collapse and dominate the final stages proved decisive in this encounter.
Raducanu's performance featured moments of brilliance mixed with missed opportunities, particularly her inability to convert early break points in the second set. The match statistics reveal a contest of fluctuating fortunes, with both players experiencing significant momentum shifts before Ruzic's strong finish secured her progression to the second round.
