Raducanu squanders match points and crumbles against Pegula at China Open

• Briton loses 3-6, 7-6 (9), 6-0 to American world No 7

• Defeat echoes loss against Krejcikova in Seoul

For the better part of two hours on court at the China Open against one of the toughest possible opponents, Emma Raducanu’s varied, steadily improving game was in full flow. She seemed to be moving confidently towards one of the most impressive victories of her career.

When it was time to close out victory against the world No 7 Jessica Pegula, however, Raducanu simply crumbled under pressure. After her positive start, Raducanu’s time in Beijing ended in a catastrophic loss as she failed to convert three match points before losing 3-6, 7-6 (9), 6-0 to Pegula in the third round.

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