Emma Raducanu faced another heartbreak at the China Open in Beijing, succumbing to Jessica Pegula in a gripping three-set match. Despite leading 5-2 in the second-set tiebreak and having already claimed the first set, Raducanu could not convert any of her three match points. The match concluded with Pegula, the fifth seed and world No. 7, taking the win with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6 (11-9), 6-0 after two hours and 23 minutes of intense play.
Raducanu’s performance initially dazzled fans, showcasing powerful shot-making that had set her on an encouraging path. However, as the tiebreak wore on, a series of mistakes allowed Pegula to rally back and seize critical momentum. The turning point was marked by a double-fault from Raducanu while leading in the tiebreak. Pegula capitalized on the opportunity, clinching six consecutive games to finish the match decisively.
This defeat follows a similar scenario for Raducanu just a week prior, where she also failed to close out a match against Barbora Krejcikova at the Korea Open, where she lost after leading in another tiebreak situation. Such recent trends could pose challenges for the British No. 1 as she heads toward the Australian Open, aiming to improve her ranking.
Raducanu’s struggles have raised concerns among her team, particularly regarding her apparent fatigue in long matches and her difficulties in tiebreak scenarios. Notably, she has lost her last four tiebreaks and only secured five wins from 13 three-set matches this season. Moreover, her defeat against Pegula marks her ninth straight loss to top-10 ranked players, as she has been bested by elite competitors throughout the year.
The match was a mix of highs and lows for both players. Pegula acknowledged her fortune during pivotal moments of the match, emphasizing the significance of Raducanu’s errors at crucial junctures. As Pegula prepares for a clash with Marta Kostyuk in the next round, Raducanu will need to regroup and refocus as she looks to overcome these challenges and harness her evident potential in the upcoming weeks.