Emma Raducanu’s struggles on the WTA Tour continued as she suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, marking the longest losing streak of her career. The British No. 2 fell to Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open, losing 6-3, 7-5. This defeat followed early exits in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Melbourne, highlighting a challenging period for the former US Open champion.
Raducanu had previously beaten Alexandrova in the opening round of the Australian Open, but this time, the Russian turned the tables. Since their last encounter, Alexandrova had gained momentum by securing a WTA title in Linz, and that confidence was evident throughout their match in Doha. Raducanu, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain consistency, especially since the departure of her coach, Nick Cavaday, who stepped down for health reasons following the Australian Open.
Jane O’Donoghue, a longtime mentor of Raducanu, was present in Doha to offer support, but the 22-year-old was unable to reverse her fortunes. Despite starting strongly in both sets, Raducanu was unable to capitalize on key opportunities. She led 3-1 in the opening set and had three chances to secure a double break, which could have shifted the momentum in her favor. However, Alexandrova responded with powerful groundstrokes, turning the match around and taking control.
A similar pattern emerged in the second set. Raducanu once again took an early 3-1 lead, benefiting from a slight dip in Alexandrova’s form. Yet, she was unable to maintain the advantage, as Alexandrova broke back and ultimately sealed the victory with a decisive break at 5-5. The match showcased the confidence gap between the two players, with Alexandrova riding the momentum from her recent success, while Raducanu struggled to find consistency.
Since parting ways with Cavaday, Raducanu has not yet appointed a new coach. She has stated that she is in no hurry to make a decision, opting instead to take her time in selecting the right person to guide her through the next phase of her career. Coaching changes have been a recurring theme for Raducanu, who has worked with several different coaches since her breakthrough win at the US Open in 2021.
Her current form raises questions about her immediate future and how she plans to regain her winning touch. While her talent remains undeniable, Raducanu’s inability to string together victories suggests that she may need greater stability in her coaching setup and overall preparation. The WTA Tour is highly competitive, and even small fluctuations in form can make a significant difference in results.
Raducanu’s ability to start matches strongly but struggle to close them out has been a recurring issue. She often builds leads but falters at key moments, allowing opponents to claw their way back into matches. Against top-tier players like Iga Swiatek, who defeated her in the third round of the Australian Open, those lapses can be costly.
As the season progresses, Raducanu will be looking for a turnaround in her fortunes. With the clay and grass-court seasons on the horizon, she has opportunities to reset and rediscover her best form. However, much will depend on her ability to manage expectations, address any technical or tactical shortcomings, and find the right support team to help her navigate the challenges ahead.
For now, Raducanu remains a player in search of consistency. Her talent and potential are evident, but without a clear path forward, she faces a crucial period in her career. Whether she can find the right formula to return to the top remains to be seen, but one thing is certain she will need to make key decisions soon to prevent this slump from extending further.
