Emma Raducanu ‘really proud’ after returning to winning ways in Dubai

Emma Raducanu took more than 15 minutes signing autographs for a crowd of enthusiastic fans after securing a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Maria Sakkari in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. When she finally reached the players’ cool-down area to reunite with her team, she rushed to embrace her mentor, Jane O’Donoghue, in a heartfelt hug, reflecting just how much the win meant to her.

Arriving in Dubai, Raducanu carried a four-match losing streak, including early exits in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha over the past three weeks. The 2021 US Open champion had accepted wildcards into all three Middle Eastern tournaments in search of her first victory since defeating Amanda Anisimova in the Australian Open’s second round four and a half weeks ago.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily sunk in yet. I’ve spent a long time on the road, and taking losses is never easy,” Raducanu told The National after securing her third consecutive win over Sakkari. “But I’m really proud I stuck it out and came through against a really tough opponent. I had to play really well to beat her.”

Despite the scoreline, the match was far from one-sided. Raducanu had to dig deep, battling through intense rallies before overcoming Sakkari, a former world No. 3.

“One thing I’m improving is my athleticism. The work is paying off in that area,” said the British world No. 61. “I’m looking forward to the tennis side coming together as well. I feel like I’m building a good big picture.”

Without a permanent coach, Raducanu is leaning on O’Donoghue for support during this Doha-Dubai stretch. She also credits her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, for the physical improvements she has made in recent months.

Navigating the longest losing streak of her career has been challenging, but Raducanu remains focused on staying positive.

“I’m very appreciative and grateful for all the wildcards I’ve received these past few weeks. I just really wanted to fight and give my best,” said the 22-year-old.

“A big factor has been having amazing people around me. Jane, who I’ve known forever, is like a big sister to me, and Yutaka’s belief in me never wavers—even when mine does from time to time.”

Still, Raducanu knows she has been facing top-level competition.

“I haven’t lost to bad players. Ekaterina [Alexandrova] reached the Doha semifinals, and Marketa [Vondrousova], whom I lost to in Abu Dhabi, is a class opponent as well,” she noted.

“My focus is on keeping things in perspective, taking things day by day, and staying consistent without letting setbacks derail me.”