Emma Raducanu brought to tears in concerning scenes during Dubai loss

Emma Raducanu competed well in her closely-fought loss to Karolina Muchova at the 2025 Dubai Championships after she was brought to tears early in the contest.

The 22-year-old Brit fell 6-7(6), 4-6 to world No 17 Muchova in the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament in a match heavily delayed by rain in Dubai on Tuesday.

After losing serve in the second game of the match to fall 0-2 behind, a visibly emotional Raducanu spoke to the umpire and was seen crying as she stood behind the official’s chair. Muchova consoled Raducanu before play resumed.

The talented 28-year-old Czech’s impressive start continued as she surged to a 4-0 lead, but Raducanu fought back and broke when her opponent served for the set at 5-2.

Raducanu then saved two set points when serving at 5-6 to force a tiebreak — which she narrowly lost after having a set point of her own when 6-5 ahead.

The world No 61 was broken in the opening game of the second set, but she remained competitive despite being unable to regain the break. Muchova crucially held from 0-40 at 3-2 en route to sealing a tough victory.

Despite her defeat, Raducanu’s performance against Muchova — a French Open runner-up in 2023 — concluded an encouraging campaign in Dubai.

Raducanu fought off 10 of the 13 break points she faced against Muchova, won a healthy 68% of points behind her first serve, 44% on her second serve and hit six aces to three double faults.

This is positive given the 2021 US Open winner’s struggles with her serve prior to this week.

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In the opening round in Dubai, Raducanu downed Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-2 — a victory that ended a four-match losing streak. This improved her record against Sakkari to 3-0 (6-0 in sets).

The former world No 10 expressed her gratitude for the main draw wildcards she has received for events since the Australian Open.

“I’m very appreciative, very grateful for all the wildcards I’ve received the last few weeks. I just really wanted to fight, do my best,” Raducanu told The National in Dubai.

Raducanu is currently without a coach after Nick Cavaday left her team following her third round exit at the Australian Open.

The Brit’s long-term mentor Jane O’Donoghue, who she describes as “a big sister”, was with her in Dubai.

“I think something really important has been having amazing people around me,” Raducanu explained.

“Jane, who I’ve known forever, she’s like a big sister to me. And Yutaka as well, their belief is unwavering, even though yours might quiver a little bit from time to time.

“But I haven’t lost to bad players. Ekaterina [Alexandrova] went on and made semis [in Doha] and Marketa [Vondrousova, who she lost to in Abu Dhabi] is a class opponent as well.

“So I have to put things in perspective and just try take care of my day and stay consistent and not let it run away from me.”

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