Emma Raducanu suffers Dubai first-round defeat by lucky loser Ruzic

British number one Emma Raducanu continued her struggle with form and fitness as she was beaten in three sets by lucky loser Antonia Ruzic at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The 2021 US Open champion required a medical timeout after losing the opening set in just 30 minutes.

Although she showed resilience to force a decider, the world number 25 eventually fell to a 6-1 5-7 6-2 defeat.

It marks a third consecutive loss for Raducanu, raising further questions about her physical condition following a recent run of matches.

Physical concerns persist

Raducanu appeared hampered by issues with her serve throughout the contest against the Croatian world number 67.

The 22-year-old produced four double faults in the opening set alone and won less than 50% of her service points during the early stages.

This latest setback follows a heavy defeat by Sorana Cirstea and a mid-match retirement against Camila Osorio at the Qatar Open just days earlier.

Since reaching the final of the Transylvania Open, the Briton has struggled physically in each of her subsequent outings.

Ruzic seizes opportunity

Ruzic had originally lost in qualifying but entered the main draw as a lucky loser after Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto withdrew due to injury.

The Croatian started strongly, saving multiple break points early in the second set as Raducanu attempted to find her rhythm.

Raducanu displayed admirable fight to save a match point and break back when Ruzic served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

However, after the former Grand Slam winner took an early lead in the third set, Ruzic reeled off six consecutive games to seal victory in two hours and 20 minutes.