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British number one Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round.<\/b><\/p>\n
She recovered from a set and a break down against Antonia Ruzic to force a decider but the Croatian prevailed, winning 6-1 5-7 6-2.<\/p>\n
Ruzic is ranked 67th in the world and was one of seven lucky losers from qualifying to fill the main draw after several players pulled out through injury, illness or a schedule change.<\/p>\n
The Croatian said it was a ‘crazy turnaround,’ with little preparation time for what became her first career top 30 win. <\/p>\n
“We were going to stay here for two-three days. It’s crazy because I got in on Monday. Playing against Emma, of course, is a tough match,” Ruzic explained. <\/p>\n
“A lot of the girls were cancelling and a lot of them were not here to sign (as alternates). I was like ‘OK, I’m going to sign and let’s see what happens’.”<\/p>\n
Raducanu’s initial opponent Elisabetta Cocciaretto was ruled out with a thigh problem, and Ruzic won the first set in 30 minutes having twice broken Raducanu.<\/p>\n
The world number 25 then sought medical attention, just as she did last week at the Qatar Open<\/a> when she had to retire from her first-round match.<\/p>\n Despite falling 5-3 down after being broken again in the second set, Raducanu fought back to claim two breaks and make it a set apiece.<\/p>\n The Briton won six consecutive games at the end of the second set and start of the third to go 2-0 up in the decider, but Ruzic won the next six to clinch victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n