TennisNH

Emma Raducanu dumped out of Qatar Open first round in straight sets

12-Feb-2024 15:22:15 | Guardian

• Anhelina Kalinina defeated former British No 1 6-0, 7-6 (6)
• US Open winner struggling against high calibre of opposition

Emma Raducanu suffered a difficult setback in her attempts to rebuild her form and rhythm during her comeback from injury as she paid dearly for an abysmal start, losing 6-0, 7-6 (6) to Anhelina Kalinina, the world No 30, in the first round of the Qatar Open.

Raducanu, who is ranked No 262, had arrived in Doha for the second stop of the new, extended Middle Eastern swing after a largely positive showing last week in Abu Dhabi. She reached the second round with one of her best wins since the start of 2023, a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Marie Bouzkova, the No 36. However, she was then predictably outclassed by Ons Jabeur, ranked No 6, in the second round.