(Tennis news) Emma Raducanu had a disastrous start to the 2022 season as she was beaten by Elena Rybakina in the opening match at Sydney Tennis Classic. Rybakina had reached the final here a few days ago and did not let Raducanu celebrate her first match of the season. It was a short stint for the British player as she had to exit the court under an hour and could only win one game in the match. It was then bad news for Rybakina as she had to issue a walkover in the next round due to a thigh injury. Rybakina defeated Raducanu 6-0, 6-1.
“Unfortunately, after playing a lot of tennis last week and then coming to Sydney and playing last night, my body has not recovered well and my thigh is causing me problems," said Rybakina. "I am sad to have to withdraw from my match today and wish everybody the best for the rest of the tournament.”
Ons Jabeur beat Petra Kvitova who appeared to be hydrated after playing a 3 hour match in the earlier round. Kvitova had a 3-1 lead but Jabeur took the next three games and took the set. In the second set, the 31 year old was a point away from making it 4-1 but the Tunisian player hit a backhand cross court slice to save the breakpoint. It was again a massive comeback by the world number 10 as Kvitova could have finished the deed in both sets but fell short twice. Jabeur defeated Kvitova 6-4, 6-4.
Paula Badosa entered the quarterfinals with a straight set win over Ajila Tomljanovic. Badosa had 13 break points against Tomljanovic and won 8 of them as both the players were not really winning points on serve. The Australian had 5 double faults in the first set as it took away her lead and Badosa builded up the momentum by winning 5 games of the last six to take the set.
The 24 year old got her work lightened as Tomljanovic hit two more double faults and Badosa will either face Belina Bencic or Oceane Dodin in the next match.
Barbora Krejcikova started her season with a victory over Jaqeline Cristian in an hour and a half. The match had to be halted in the middle due to rain as it was played in an open court and then under a roof. Barbora won 4 of the breakpoints in the first set and Cristian could not hold serve as she won just 6 points of her serve.
After the venue was changed, Cristian was the one taking the initiative and won half of the first serves. The 2021 Roland Garros winner hit 5 aces but also had 4 double faults which took away the credit and made way for Cristian to come back into the match. Things again shifted in the last two games as the world number 4 won the last four points of Cristian’s serve to win the match.
Also read: Sofia exits early at Sydney Tennis Classic, Kvitova wins marathon match
