British number one Emma Raducanu was knocked out in the first round at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
She rallied from a set and a breakdown against Antonia Ruzic to force a decisive chance, but the Croat prevailed, winning 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.
Ruzic, ranked 67th in the world, was one of seven lucky losers who qualified for the main draw as several players were sidelined due to injury, illness or schedule changes.
The Croatian said it was a “crazy turn” with little time to prepare for his first career top-30 win.
“We were planning to stay here for two or three days. It’s crazy that we arrived on Monday. Of course it’s a tough match against Emma,” Ruzic explained.
“A lot of girls were canceling, a lot of girls weren’t here to sign (as alternates). I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll sign. Let’s see what happens.’
Raducanu’s first opponent, Elisabetta Coccharetto, was withdrawn due to a thigh problem, and Ruzic broke Raducanu twice to take the first set in 30 minutes.
The world No. 25 then sought medical attention, just as she did last week when she had to withdraw from the first round at the Qatar Open.
Despite being broken in the second set and down 5-3, Raducanu fought back to get two breaks and take the set.
The Englishman won six games in a row at the end of the second set and at the beginning of the third to take a 2-0 lead going into the final, but Ruzic won the next six games to seal the victory.
