Emma Raducanu Faces Early Exit in Dubai

Feb 16, 2026

57 min

Feb 16, 2026 22:32

Emma Raducanu stunned in opening round defeat in Dubai

## Unexpected Defeat for Raducanu

Emma Raducanu, the British tennis player, experienced a surprising loss in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. She was defeated by Antonia Ruzic, a Croatian player ranked 42 places below her.

## Ruzic's Unexpected Opportunity

Ruzic entered the tournament as a "lucky loser" after Raducanu's original opponent, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, withdrew due to injury. Ruzic took full advantage of this opportunity, quickly gaining a lead in the first set and eventually winning it.

## Raducanu's Struggle

Raducanu, who recently retired from a match in Doha due to illness, seemed off her game. Despite medical attention after the first set, she continued to play and managed to win the second set 7-5, leveling the match.

## Final Set Drama

In the decisive third set, Raducanu initially led 2-0, but Ruzic fought back to win 6-2. Ruzic's performance was impressive, earning applause from the crowd and sealing her victory with strong play.

## Ruzic's Reaction

After the match, Ruzic expressed her happiness with her performance, noting the unusual circumstances of her entry into the tournament and her determination to make the most of it.

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