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British tennis player Emma Raducanu on Sunday, February 9 suffered fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in her professional career at the ongoing Qatar Open 2025 in Doha. Raducanu failed to comeback in the game as she was beaten in straight sets by Russia’s Etkaterina Alexandrova.
Notably, it was the 22-year-old Briton’s third first-round tournament defeat inside the two weeks as she lost in two straight sets 6-3, 7-5. Earlier, Raducanu had received a wildcard entry in the tournament in Doha, which is also the first WTA 1000 event of the year.
Emma Raducanu goes down 6-3, 7-5 in straight sets against Russia’s Alexandrova
Ranked 60th in the world, Emma started brilliantly against her Russian opponent, who she had defeated in the first round of the Australian Open 2024 in January. However, her dominance was short-lived as the Russian took advantage of Raducanu failing to secure a second break of serve, securing the opening set by five successive points.
The 30-year-old Russian dipped slightly at the second set with Emma Raducanu taking a lead, but world number 26 came back strongly to claim a crucial break at 5-5. Notably, Emma Raducanu hasn’t tasted victory since coach Nick Cavaday stepped down from his position for health reasons after the Australian Open.
On the other hand, the World No. 26 will take on top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the WTA 1000 event on Tuesday, February 11.
