Emma Raducanu’s struggles on the WTA Tour continued as she suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, losing in straight sets to Ekaterina Alexandrova (6-3, 7-5) in the first round of the Qatar Open.
Despite showing glimpses of her shot-making abilities, Raducanu was unable to capitalize on early leads in both sets, allowing the in-form Alexandrova, who recently won a WTA title in Linz, to take control of the match.
Raducanu’s Match: A Missed Opportunity
The 21-year-old British No.2, who received a wildcard entry into the tournament, started well, leading 3-1 in both sets. However, she was unable to maintain her momentum, letting Alexandrova dictate the rallies.
- First Set: Raducanu got an early break but failed to consolidate, allowing Alexandrova to win five consecutive games to take the set.
- Second Set: Again, Raducanu built a 3-1 lead, but Alexandrova fought back, securing a crucial break at 5-5 before serving out the match.
Alexandrova’s aggressive baseline play and confidence from her recent title in Linz proved too much for Raducanu, who now faces more questions about her form.
Why Was Raducanu’s Coach Absent?
One noticeable aspect of Raducanu’s campaign in Doha was the absence of a full-time coach. Instead, her longtime mentor Jane O’Donoghue was present to support her.
Raducanu has changed coaches frequently since winning the US Open in 2021, often choosing to train without a permanent coach. This approach has been debated in tennis circles, with some experts questioning whether a lack of coaching stability is affecting her performances.
While she has worked with renowned coaches like Torben Beltz, Sebastian Sachs, and Dmitry Tursunov, she has not yet found a long-term coaching setup that suits her.
Reactions to Raducanu’s Loss
Ekaterina Alexandrova– “Emma is a great player, and I knew she could come up with big shots. I had to stay focused and not give her any chances.”
Tim Henman – “Raducanu has talent, no doubt, but she needs consistency. Without a settled coaching team, it’s difficult to develop a long-term strategy.”
Judy Murray –“Emma is still young. People expect too much too soon. She needs time to find the right team and regain her confidence.”
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Raducanu is scheduled to play WTA events in Dubai and Indian Wells, but concerns remain about her form and match fitness.
- Recent Record: 0-4 in 2025, struggling for confidence.
- Ranking Drop: Currently outside the Top 50.
- Coaching Future: No official coach, relying on short-term guidance.
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu remains one of the most marketable players in the sport, with significant sponsorship deals and fan support.
Final Thoughts
Emma Raducanu’s loss in Qatar 2025 extends her tough start to 2025. While injuries and inconsistent form have played a role, her lack of coaching stability is a growing concern.
