Raducanu Falls to Lucky Loser Ruzic in Dubai

British number one Emma Raducanu has been knocked out in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships after a three-set defeat to Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic.

Raducanu went down 6-1 5-7 6-2 in a fluctuating contest, with world number 67 Ruzic claiming one of the biggest wins of her career.

Fast Start for Ruzic

Ruzic entered the main draw as one of seven lucky losers following late withdrawals and replaced Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who pulled out with a thigh injury.

The Croatian dominated the opening set, breaking Raducanu twice and wrapping it up in just 30 minutes.

Raducanu, currently ranked 25th in the world, required medical attention during the match — echoing her recent retirement at the Qatar Open last week.

Momentum Shift Not Enough

Despite trailing 5-3 in the second set, Raducanu mounted a strong response. She secured two crucial breaks and reeled off six consecutive games spanning the end of the second set and the start of the third to lead 2-0 in the decider.

However, the momentum shift proved short-lived. Ruzic responded emphatically, winning six straight games of her own to close out the match and seal progression into the next round.

The defeat marks another early exit for Raducanu as she continues her preparations ahead of the upcoming hard-court swing.