Emma Raducanu’s struggles on the court deepened with a first-round exit at the Qatar Open, marking a fourth consecutive loss and an unprecedented low point in her career. The former US Open champion, who burst onto the scene with a stunning victory in 2021, has been grappling with inconsistency and a lack of momentum in recent months.
Raducanu’s match against Ekaterina Alexandrova in Doha followed a similar pattern to her recent defeats. She started strongly, taking an early lead in both sets, but couldn’t maintain her advantage as Alexandrova fought back to secure a straight-sets victory. This latest setback raises further questions about Raducanu’s form and her ability to rediscover the winning touch that propelled her to stardom.
“I was looking forward to this match because the last match we played, it was very close and very difficult, and I was really upset after that match,” Alexandrova1 said after her win, revealing a sense of motivation against Raducanu. “When I saw the draw, I thought that maybe it’s gonna be my chance. And I’m glad that I could win, even [though] it was a pretty difficult match to play. She played well.”
Raducanu’s recent struggles have coincided with a period of change in her coaching setup. Following the Australian Open, her coach Nick Cavaday stepped down due to health reasons, leaving her without a permanent coach. While her former mentor Jane O’Donoghue has provided support, the lack of a consistent coaching structure may be contributing to her difficulties on the court.
“It’s currently unclear when Raducanu might next play as she will need another late wildcard to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships next week,”2 a source noted, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding her upcoming schedule. “The following week sees the WTA Tour head to North America with events in Mexico and Austin before the Sunshine Swing.”
Raducanu’s early exit from the Qatar Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the year, underscores the challenges she faces as she strives to regain her form. While her talent and potential are undeniable, she needs to find a way to overcome her current struggles and rediscover the confidence that fueled her remarkable US Open triumph.
Leave a Reply