Emma Raducanu rounded off a typically underwhelming day of British clay-court tennis as she lost in three sets to Marta Kostyuk, an old rival from her junior days.
The defeat came on top of earlier losses for the other two British women in the world’s top 100, and left the Madrid Open without any female representation from the UK.
This is standard fare for this time of the year. Playing on clay is a highly specific skill, and victories on the surface tend to be a rarity for British players who barely encounter it during their formative years.
It should be noted that, on Tuesday, Katie Boulter had delivered her first-ever tour-level win on clay, at the late age of 28. Her dubious reward was to face last year’s French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini, who handed out a 6-2, 6-1 thumping on Friday morning.
It was a similar story for British No 3 Sonay Kartal, 23, who had also improved her clay-court record this week with an opening-round win – again, her first on the WTA Tour. On Friday afternoon, Kartal was bundled out by Elina Svitolina, the 17th seed in Madrid, by a 6-3, 6-1 margin.
Which left Raducanu. To her credit, the British No2 did at least manage to take a set off Kostyuk, who is ranked 13 places above her at No 36 in the world. But she then dropped serve in the opening game of the decider, and slid swiftly towards a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 defeat.
Raducanu takes the second set and foces it into a decider vs Kostyuk 💪@EmmaRaducanu | #MMOPENpic.twitter.com/Bwp5SHu5l3
— wta (@WTA) April 25, 2025
Afterwards, Raducanu – whose opening-round victory over Suzan Lamens had been her own first win on outdoor clay for three years – acknowledged that she is still struggling to come to terms with the surface.
“I don’t necessarily feel very comfortable,” said Raducanu. “It is my second proper clay season and the first one in three years.”
“I found moving really difficult,” she added. “I felt like I was slipping around, but it was taking me a long time to get out of the corners and after the serve as well. I’m not really sure how to improve that, so I guess I’ll just take that back and try to work on it in the next week.”
For both men and women, the next big event will be played in Rome in around ten days’ time. While Madrid tends to favour big hitters because of its 650m altitude and thinner air – conditions enjoyed by the ultra-aggressive Kostyuk – the courts in Rome are slower and thus more like the ones used at the French Open.
Everyone will be looking to peak in Paris for the second major of the season, which starts on May 25, but our expectations should not be too high. Among the British women, there has only been one run to the second week of the French Open in the 21st Century. That was by Johanna Konta, who reached the semi-finals in 2019.
There are still three British men in the Madrid Open draw, however. Jack Draper is the fifth seed, and thus earned a bye into the second round, while qualifier Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie both scored first-round wins on Thursday.
05:47 PM BST
Kostyuk wins the match 6-4, 2-6, 6-2!
Nice backhand volley from Kostyuk sees the Ukrainain win the opening point. A double fault then sees Raducanu get to 15-15.
The Briton then sprays a forehand return long and can do nothing about a clean backhand down the line from Kostyuk at 30-15.
Raducanu saves the first match point with a deep return but Kostyuk wins the next point with a huge backhand!
Game, set and match Marta Kostyuk!
Emma Raducanu is OUT of the Madrid Open ❌ pic.twitter.com/w2ceTIm6R4
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) April 25, 2025
05:41 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu* 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 (24)Kostyuk
An extended rally sees Kostyuk finish on top to go 0-15 ahead. The Ukrainian then follows up with a nice angled forehand cross to go 0-30. Raducanu stops the rot after a brilliant rally and follows up with a big first serve to level things up at 30-30.
Kostyuk then gets another break point look after drawing an error from the Briton. Raducanu saves the first break point after some gutsy defending from Kostyuk but the Briton hits a forehand long to give the Ukrainian a second look. Kostyuk nets a second-serve return. Deuce.
A big forehand winner from Kostyuk brings up her third break point and she takes it after putting away a mid-court forehand.
05:33 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-4 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk hits an easy short backhand out as Raducanu goes 0-15. The Ukrainian then levels things up with a forehand winner before taking the lead following a Raducanu error.
Raducanu then gets to 30-40 with a nice forehand pass and then deuce as Kostyuk sprays a forehand out. A clever drop shot then brings up game point for Kostyuk and she takes it to consolidate the break.
05:27 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu* 4-6, 6-2, 2-3 (24)Kostyuk
A couple of Kostyuk errors bring Raducanu back into the game after falling 0-15 behind.
The Ukrainian then gets to 30-30 after closing out at the net following an attempted drop shot from Raducanu.
Break point for Kostyuk after getting the better of Raducanu in an extended baseline exchange and the Ukrainian breaks for the fifth time in this contest!
05:23 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-2 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk wins the opening point before netting an attempted drop shot as Raducanu gets to 15-15.
A double fault then sees Raducanu get to 15-30 but Kostyuk levels things up with the help of a net cord before Raducanu gets a break point look after a strong return off a Kostyuk first serve.
Raducanu breaks to level things up and she looks well up for it again!
05:18 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu* 4-6, 6-2, 1-2 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu races to a 30-0 lead after a combination of smart net-play and composed baseline hitting.
A Kostyuk return error sees Raducanu get to 40-0 and the Briton holds to love.
05:15 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 0-2 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk wins the opening point before Raducanu levels things up at 15-15.
The Briton then jumps all over a Kostyuk second serve to go 15-30 but the Ukrainian levels up with a forehand winner.
Kostyuk eventually holds to 30 to consolidate the break.
05:11 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu* 4-6, 6-2, 0-1 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu wins the opening point after a strong body serve.
Kostyuk then gets on the board before Raducanu gets to 30-15. The Ukrainian then catches Raducanu off guard with a well timed drop shot to get to 30-30.
The Ukrainian breaks at the first time of asking.
Raducanu was not happy with her camp during that game.
05:06 PM BST
Raducanu wins the second set 6-2!
Raducanu races to 0-30 lead before Kostyuk nets a backhand to give the Briton three set points.
The Ukrainian saves the first as Raducanu goes long from the baseline but Raducanu wins the next point to break Kostyuk again and take this second set.
We are going to three on Court No 4.
05:00 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu* 4-6, 5-2 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu, serving with new balls, wins the opening point after a Kostyuk return sails long.
The Briton then nets a forehand to go 15-15. Raducanu then pushes a forehand long to fall 15-30 behind.
Two errors from Raducanu bring up a break point for Kostyuk and she is unable to take the game after netting a forehand.
Raducanu then brings up her own game point after some good baseline play but Kostyuk catches the Briton again with a forehand winner down the line.
A huge serve out wide brings up another game point for Raducanu and the Briton does hold to consolidate the break!
04:53 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu 4-6, 4-2 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk wins the opening point with a forehand up the line. Raducanu then draws an error from the Ukrainian to go 15-15 before Kostyuk regains the lead.
Raducanu, dictating play from the baseline, gets to 30-30 before Kostyuk double faults to hand Raducanu a break point. Raducanu does break after Kostyuk double faults again.
04:48 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu* 4-6, 3-2 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu finishes the opening point at the net with a drive forehand volley before Kostyuk gets on the board with a forehand volley winner of her own.
A nice forehand down the line sees Raducanu get to 30-15 and another brilliant forehand, this time cross court, gets the Briton to 40-15. Raducanu holds.
04:44 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu 4-6, 2-2 (24)Kostyuk*
Raducanu wins the opening point before going long on a second-serve return. Another error from Raducanu sees Kostyuk get to 30-15 but the Ukrainian then goes long with ground stroke to give Raducanu another look in.
A clean forehand down the line brings up game point for Kostyuk who eventually holds to 30. Level again in this second set.
04:40 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu* 4-6, 2-1 (24)Kostyuk
Big first serve sets up the point nicely for Raducanu. Kostyuk then comes out on top after a bit of jousting at the net. A nice forehand cross then sees Kostyuk get to 15-30 and then a nice lob brings up two break points.
Raducanu saves the first with a big forehand winner from the baseline. Kostyuk does break as Raducanu nets a backhand after an extended rally.
04:35 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu 4-6, 2-0 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk wins the opening point before Raducanu gets to 15-15. Another error sees Raducanu get to 15-30 before a strong backhand gets Kostyuk to 30-30.
A huge forehand return winner brings up a break point for Raducanu and Kostyuk double faults to gift Raducanu a break of serve.
04:31 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu* 4-6, 1-0 (24)Kostyuk
Kostyuk rips a huge forehand down the line to win the opening point. The Ukrainian then goes long with a forehand as Raducanu gets on the board. The Briton draws another error from Kostyuk as Raducanu gets to 40-15 and holds as Kostyuk nets a backhand.
04:24 PM BST
Physio called for Kostyuk
Kostyuk has called for the physio. Looks like the Ukrainian is having issues with her right wrist.
A medical timeout has been announced as Mark Petchey and Raducanu engage in deep conversation at the side of the court.
04:20 PM BST
Kostyuk takes the first set 6-4!
Kostyuk wins the opening point after some big baseline hitting from both ladies.
The Ukrainian then gets to 30-0 after Raducanu tries to attack a second serve. The Briton then nets a forehand to bring up three set points for Kostyuk who double faults on the first.
Raducanu then nets a forehand return as the Ukrainian holds to win the first set 6-4.
04:16 PM BST
Raducanu* 4-5 (24)Kostyuk
Kostyuk wins the opening point. A good first serve then sees Raducanu get to 15-15 before the Briton draws another error from the Ukrainian to get to 30-15.
Kostyuk closes out at the net with a lovely backhand volley drop shot and then another volley at 30-40 after some good approach play.
Raducanu does eventually hold after drawing an error from Kostyuk. The Ukrainian will try and serve out the first set after the sitdown.
04:10 PM BST
Raducanu 3-5 (24)Kostyuk*
Raducanu hits a clean return winner before Kostyuk levels things up at 15-15.
A second-serve ace sees Kostyuk get to 30-15. Double fault sees Raducanu get to 30-30 before Kostyuk rips a forehand down the line. The Ukrainian then closes out the game with forehand drive volley.
04:05 PM BST
Raducanu* 3-4 (24)Kostyuk
Kostyuk wins the opening point as Raducanu goes long with a forehand on the stretch. Raducanu then nets a forehand volley as Kostyuk goes up 0-30.
Good second serve followed by a well placed backhand gets Raducanu to 15-30 but the Briton then double faults, 15-40. First break point is saved as Kostyuk nets a baseline backhand.
Raducanu then double faults again to gift Kostyuk another break of serve.
04:00 PM BST
Raducanu 3-3 (24)Kostyuk*
Big forehand winner down the line sees Raducanu win the opening point after an extended rally.
Kostyuk then double faults to fall 0-30 behind. A deep return from Raducanu brings up three break points for the Briton. Kostyuk saves the first with a clean cross-court backhand winner. But Raducanu does eventually break to level things up.
Back on serve!
03:55 PM BST
Raducanu* 2-3 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu wins the opening point before Kostyuk draws an error from the Briton to get to 15-15. Kostyuk then brings Raducanu forward after playing a drop shot that the Briton is slow to get to but does make as Kostyuk plays the ball into the open court.
Double fault brings up two break points for Kostyuk. Raducanu saves the first and the second as Kostyuk nets a second-serve return.
Good approach shot from Raducanu leaves Kostyuk scrambling at the back of the court as Raducanu gets to advantage. Kostyuk then wins the next two points but is unable to break. Raducanu ends up saving four break points before eventually holding.
Two big first serves help Raducanu eventually see out the game.
03:45 PM BST
Raducanu 1-3 (24)Kostyuk*
Huge return winner on the forehand side sees Raducanu win the opening point. Kostyuk then gets the better of the Briton after an extended rally to level things up at 15-15.
The Ukrainian then nets an attempted drop shot as Raducanu gets to 15-30 before hitting a second-serve return long, 30-30. Kostyuk then hits two deep forehands to bring up game point and the Ukrainian holds after finishing the point with a backhand volley.
03:39 PM BST
Raducanu* 1-2 (24)Kostyuk
Raducanu wins the opening point on serve for the first time in this match. She then gets to 30-0 after drawing an error from Kostyuk.
The Ukrainian then gets to 30-15 after a front-foot point finished again at the net before Raducanu eventually holds to get on the board.
03:36 PM BST
Raducanu 0-2 (24)Kostyuk*
Kostyuk wins the opening point after an extended rally. Kostyuk then gets to 30-0 after following up an approach and finishing at the net with a nice forehand volley.
Raducanu gets on the board after drawing an error from the Ukrainian but Kostyuk wins the next point to bring up two game points.
A double fault sees Raducanu get to 40-30 but Kostyuk closes out the game with a big forehand down the line to consolidate the break.
03:32 PM BST
First Set: Emma Raducanu* 0-1 (24)Marta Kostyuk (denotes server)
Kostyuk races to a 0-30 lead after a couple of errors from Raducanu.
Another backhand long sees Kosyuk get to 0-40. A big serve down the T sees Raducanu get to 15-40 but Kostyuk wins the next point to immediately break serve.
03:26 PM BST
Coin toss
Marta Kostyuk and Emma Raducanu are on court and warming up.
Kostyuk won the toss and has elected to receive.
03:21 PM BST
Raducanu-Kostyuk preview
Good afternoon and welcome to second-round coverage of Emma Raducanu versus 24th seed Marta Kostyuk at the Mutua Madrid Open.
The pair last met in Madrid in 2022 Raducanu came out on top in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. Before that, Kostyuk got the better of the Briton in the quarter-finals in Cluj, winning by the same scoreline.
Kostyuk being the 24th seed received a first-round bye so this will be the Ukrainian’s first tour-level match on clay this season after she withdraw from Stuttgart last week.
Raducanu, now the last Briton standing in the women’s draw in Mardid, comes into the match high on confidence after beating Dutch No 1 Suzan Lamens 7-6, 6-4 in the first round.
O que achou dessa notícia? Deixe um comentário abaixo e/ou compartilhe em suas redes sociais. Assim conseguiremos tornar o tênis cada vez mais popular!
Esta notícia foi originalmente publicada em:
Fonte original
Autor: