Emma Radukanu was knocked out of Madrid’s opening despite his positive performance against Clay Court specialist Marta Kostuk.
The former US Open champion reached the quarterfinals of one of the premier events of the WTA Tour for the first time at the Miami Open last month, but will not repeat the feat in the Spanish capital.
Radukanu recorded an impressive straight set victory over Susan Ramen in the opening round, but despite showing a flash of world-class glow, she was unable to stop Ukrainian Kostuk, who came in 24th, sealing off a 6-4 2-6 6-2 victory.
Radukanu comfortably beat Kostuk in the final meeting at the same tournament three years ago, but got off to a poor start here.
She went back from 1-3 to 3-3 to 3-3 just for two double faults and quickly dug to see the drop serve again.
Kostyuk received treatment for his right wrist prior to the second set, but this time it was at the 22-year-old level that Raducanu got off to a stronger start, leveling out the match for four consecutive games.
However, Radukanu’s poor game, who continues to work informally with manager Mark Pecchi, sets the tone to begin the decider as Kostuk has driven the path to the finish line.
“I lost a very easy match with her three years ago, so that wasn’t a good memory,” said Kostyuk, 22.
“I know Emma is a great fighter, and she can achieve a lot and play great tennis. It’s going to be a battle that will be very happy with the victory.”
Fleming: Radukane finds clay feet
Image: Raducanu takes a positive thing despite being defeated by Kostyuk
Colin Fleming talks about Sky Sports Tennis. “Emaradukanu is a competitor. She’s disappointed at this stage, but I think she can do a lot from this match once the dust settles.
“If she can keep working, keep finding her feet in the clay, finding her movements, her balance and comfort on this surface. I think she will still get some great results during this clay coat season.
“There are a lot of positive things going forward.”
Tape story
A baller was hit by a French open finalist. Cartal is also on sale
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Highlights of the open conflict in Madrid between Jasmine Paolini and British No. 1 Katie Boulter
Katie Boulter was slammed 6-1, 6-2 by Jasmine Paolini in just 56 minutes.
The UK’s No. 1 is still inexperienced in clay and proved it didn’t match the sixth seed that reached last season’s French Open Finals.
Boulter struggled with serves in particular, winning only 11 points in the match, but she didn’t hold the serve until the penultimate game of the contest.
Paolini had the opportunity to score an even more decisive victory when he scored his first match point 5-0 in the second set, but Boulter came together a bit to at least avoid the set of love.
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Highlights of Elina Svitolina and Sonay Kartal’s WTA match
For Sonay Cartal, it was a similar story to Inform Erina Svitolina.
Top seed Alina Sabalenka was a 6-3, 6-4 winner with Anna Brinkova, but the struggle of eighth seed Zheng Qinwen continued with a 6-4, 6-4 defeat against Anastasia Potapova.
In a men’s draw, top seed Alexander Zverev won 6-2, 6-2, with Roberto Bautista Agutt and third seed Taylor Fritz defeating Christopher O’Connell 6-1, 6-4.
Defending champion Andreil Brev and ninth seed Danil Medvedev made progress without hitting the ball after their opponents retreated.
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