Emma Raducanu vs Maria Lourdes Carle LIVE: Madrid Open result and reaction as Brit suffers surprise defeat
Raducanu suffered a shock defeat in the first-round of the Madrid Open
Emma Raducanu suffered a surprise defeat to qualifier Maria Lourdes Carle in the first round of the Madrid Open.
Raducanu shot up 82 places in the WTA rankings after scoring four victories in a row between the Billie Jean Cup and the Stuttgart Open, where the Briton put up a strong performance in her quarter-final defeat to World No 1 Iga Swiatek.
She had hoped to build on an impressive showing on the German clay in the Spanish capital, but produced a sloppy outing, producing too many errors to let the Argentine seize control. The 2021 US Open champion had been drawn against Karolina Pliskova, but the former World No 1 withdrew earlier this week, affording the opportunity to Carle to secure a significant win as she continued a breakthrough season that has seen her climb into the world’s top 100.
She will now face the 17th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round, with Raducanu forced to reflect on another disappointing defeat with her French Open participation still in doubt. Follow reaction from Raducanu vs Lourdes Carle from the Madrid Open below
Emma Raducanu suffers surprise defeat to Maria Lourdes Carle in Madrid
Emma Raducanu saw the progress made at the recent Stuttgart Open stall after she collapsed to a straight-sets defeat by Maria Lourdes Carle at the Madrid Open.
Raducanu exited last week’s tournament in Germany in the quarter-finals but that encouraging form deserted her on Wednesday as she was crushed 6-2 6-2 by her Argentinian opponent, who is ranked 83 in the world.
Playing with strapping around the front of her left knee, the 2021 US Open champion produced an error-strewn display on the clay at Manzanares Park.
Raducanu‘s progress in Stuttgart was only halted by world number one Iga Swiatek, raising hopes that she would progress deep into the draw this week.
The 21-year-old, who endured an injury-hit 2023, was viewed as a strong favourite against qualifier Carle only to make 19 unforced errors in the first set alone.
And, having spoken before the tournament of her tiredness due to the volume of matches this year, she was unable to rally in an equally one-sided second set.
Emma Raducanu suffers surprise defeat to Maria Lourdes Carle
There’s double trouble for the British women in Madrid - Hannah Dart is also out in the first round, losing in straight sets to Cristina Busca (6-4, 6-4).
Emma Raducanu suffers surprise defeat to Maria Lourdes Carle
For Raducanu, meanwhile, that was a really disappointing performance. Her forehand was just too clunky to allow her to consistently stay in the match, and the fatigue she mentioned ahead of the match was also apparent. She is still learning on clay - will she go into French Open qualifying if there is no main draw entry forthcoming?
Emma Raducanu suffers surprise defeat to Maria Lourdes Carle
That’s a really significant win for Maria Lourdes Carle, who, remember, is yet to make a main draw appearance at a grand slam. Her game does suit clay, as is the case for plenty of South Americans - both of her WTA Challenger final appearances have been on the surface, and she managed today’s encounter very, very well.
Veronika Kudermetova, the 17th seed, will be next.
Maria Lourdes Carle on her victory
“It’s amazing. We are working very hard with my team so I am glad that we can see it on court. I was ready for this match - I know her, I think everyone knows her and it was a tough battle. But I managed very well the nerves and everything, so mostly I’m happy.
“I like it in Spain, I like the people, the crowd, the food. I am feeling good here. I like it!”
GAME SET AND MATCH! Maria Lourdes Carle beats Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-2
All over in Madrid - Emma Raducanu is OUT! A sloppy performance from the Brit and Maria Lourdes Carle seals a straight sets victory.
Emma Raducanu 2-6, 2-5 Maria Lourdes Carle*
Some of Emma Raducanu’s best striking of the match has been in the last two games. This time, she converts it into a hold,
Emma Raducanu* 2-6, 1-5 Maria Lourdes Carle
Somehow, Maria Lourdes Carle takes it! Emma Raducanu will serve to stay in the match.
Emma Raducanu 2-6, 1-4 (40-40) Maria Lourdes Carle
An ace from the Argentine saves Raducanu’s fifth break point of the game. Onwards we go.
Emma Raducanu 2-6, 1-4 (40-40) Maria Lourdes Carle
A brilliant backhand lob is flipped up over a retreating Emma Raducanu at full extension, dropping perfectly inside the baseline as Maria Lourdes Carle shows off the variety of her groundstrokes to save two break points.
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