Emma Raducanu experienced another challenging moment in her career at the China Open, falling short against Jessica Pegula. In their last-32 match, Raducanu lost with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (9-11), 0-6. This contest lasted two hours and 21 minutes.
Match Overview
The British player started strong, taking the first set against the higher-ranked Pegula, who is currently seventh in the world. However, the momentum shifted during the second set when both players engaged in a fierce battle for control.
Key Moments
- Raducanu had three match points in the second set but could not convert them.
- Pegula showed frustration, visibly reacting by throwing her racquet during the game.
- The American saved two break points and took the match into a dramatic tie-break.
In the tie-break, Pegula saved three match points: two with impressive backhand winners and a third on Raducanu’s serve. This resilience turned the tide and allowed Pegula to dominate the final set.
Player Reactions
After the match, Pegula reflected on the intensity of the encounter. “It was a crazy match,” she stated. “I got myself back into the tie-break and just wanted to keep the pressure on.”
On her performance, she noted: “To be honest, I think I got a little bit lucky on two of those where I hit those two backhand winners but, other than that, I just tried to keep fighting for as long as I could.”
Other Results
In a positive note for British tennis, compatriot Sonay Kartal advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Maya Joint in Beijing. Kartal’s successful performance contrasts sharply with Raducanu’s struggles.
Raducanu’s ranking remains at 32 as she continues to seek consistency on the tour. Her recent loss mirrors a previous defeat to Barbora Krejcikova earlier this month. As she regrouped, the focus will be on next steps and recovery for Raducanu.
