Emma Raducanu faced an unexpected defeat at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she lost to qualifier Antonia Ruzic, who had entered the main draw only because another player had withdrawn due to injury. The match started poorly for Raducanu, who quickly lost the first set 6-1 in just half an hour. Midway through the match, she called for a doctor, indicating she needed medical attention, which suggested that she may have been dealing with physical issues during the game.

Despite receiving treatment, Raducanu returned to the court but continued to struggle in the second set, where she missed several chances to break Ruzic's serve. Ruzic capitalized on these opportunities, breaking Raducanu's serve at a crucial moment to take a 4-3 lead in the second set. This momentum shift ultimately hindered Raducanu's efforts to mount a comeback, leading to her early exit from the tournament.

The result marks a disappointing moment for Raducanu, who has been trying to regain her form and consistency on the court. The loss not only eliminates her from the tournament but also raises concerns about her fitness levels as she competes at high-stakes events. As a prominent figure in British tennis, her performance is closely monitored, and this outcome may influence her approach in future tournaments as she aims to recover from injuries and improve her competitive edge.