SEOUL — Emma Raducanu’s promising run at the Korea Open came to a heartbreaking and dramatic end on Thursday, as the 2021 US Open champion squandered three match points in a grueling second-round encounter against top seed and former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. The final scoreline of 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 6-3 in favor of the Czech player belied a match of intense momentum swings and a stunning collapse from the brink of victory by the British star.
Competing in her first WTA event since her first-round exit at the US Open, Raducanu appeared to be in commanding form for much of the contest. After saving a set point herself to clinch the opening set in a tense tie-break, she built a 5-2 lead in the second set and later held three consecutive match points on Krejcikova’s serve at 5-3, 40-0.
Yet, with victory seemingly assured, the match slipped from her grasp. Krejcikova, drawing on her vast experience as a former World No. 2 and multiple Grand Slam champion, mounted a fearless comeback, saving all three match points with a combination of aggressive groundstrokes and a crucial service winner. Raducanu’s own unforced errors began to creep in at the most inopportune moments, allowing Krejcikova to break back and eventually force a second-set tie-break, which she dominated to level the match.
A Tale of Momentum Swings
The match was a classic demonstration of how quickly momentum can shift in professional tennis. For the first hour and a half, Raducanu was largely the better player, dictating rallies with her flat, powerful groundstrokes and moving Krejcikova around the court with precision. Her aggressive returning neutralized Krejcikova’s potent serve, and she looked poised to secure a statement win against a top-tier opponent.
However, the failure to convert any of the three match points proved to be a catastrophic turning point. The psychological blow was evident as Raducanu’s first serve percentage dropped and her forehand, so reliable earlier, began to misfire. Krejcikova, sensing the shift, grew in confidence, her all-court game and variety of shots becoming increasingly effective as the decider got underway.
In her post-match press conference, a visibly disappointed Raducano reflected on the missed opportunity, stating: "It's tough to take. I had my chances at 5-3, 40-0. She went for it and played really well at those points. I maybe could have been more aggressive, but credit to her. She's a champion and she really fought back."
Krejcikova’s Champion Mentality Shines
For Krejcikova, the victory was a testament to her resilience and fighting spirit. Despite not playing her best tennis for large portions of the match, she never wavered in her belief. Her ability to raise her level when staring directly at defeat highlighted the champion’s mentality that has carried her to major titles in both singles and doubles.
She acknowledged the difficulty of the battle in her on-court interview: "It was a very, very tough match. Emma was playing unbelievable. I was just trying to fight for every ball and stay in the game. At 5-3, 40-0 down, I just told myself to go for my shots. I have nothing to lose. I'm really happy that I managed to fight through and win this match."
Krejcikova’s key strengths that turned the match included:
- Clutch Serving: She hit critical aces and service winners to save the match points.
- Experience: Her familiarity with high-pressure situations allowed her to remain calm.
- Tactical Adjustment: She began to target Raducanu’s backhand more effectively and used her slice to disrupt rhythm.
Analysis: Where It Went Wrong for Raducanu
While Krejcikova deserves immense credit for her comeback, the match will be analyzed for Raducanu’s inability to close it out. After such a dominant position, the loss raises questions about her current level of match sharpness and mental fortitude in critical moments, a byproduct of her lengthy absence from the tour due to multiple surgeries earlier this year.
Tennis analysts pointed to several factors:
- Passivity: On the match points, Raducanu retreated slightly, allowing Krejcikova to seize control of the rallies.
- First Serve Vanished: Her first serve, a key weapon, became less reliable under pressure.
- Emotional Management: The frustration of missing the opportunities seemed to carry over into the subsequent games and the third set.
The Bigger Picture for Raducanu
Despite the brutal nature of the defeat, there were significant positives for Raducanu to take from her week in Seoul. It was only her seventh tournament of a season disrupted by surgery on both wrists and one ankle. The fact that she was able to compete at such a high level and push a player of Krejcikova’s caliber to the absolute limit is a strong indicator that her game is on the right track.
She had looked sharp in a straight-sets victory over World No. 121 Moyuka Uchijima in the first round, showing no signs of physical discomfort. This performance against Krejcikova, albeit ending in a loss, was another step forward in her long journey back to the top of the game. The match provided invaluable match practice and a stark reminder of the fine margins at the sport’s highest level.
Conclusion: A Painful But Vital Lesson
For Emma Raducanu, this loss will undoubtedly sting. Letting slip three match points against a top player is a painful experience for any athlete. However, in the context of her comeback season, it must be viewed as part of the process. These are the kinds of matches that build character and provide the hardest lessons. The challenge now will be to internalize the experience, learn from the tactical and mental errors, and use it as fuel for her next events.
For Barbora Krejcikova, the great escape keeps her title defense hopes alive and adds another chapter to her reputation as one of the tour’s fiercest competitors. She will face either Yuan Yue or Magdalena Frech in the quarterfinals, no doubt riding a massive wave of confidence after surviving a match that seemed all but lost. The Korea Open witnessed a classic encounter, a brutal reminder that in tennis, it’s never over until the final point is won.