Emma Raducanu spurned three match points before losing to Barbora Krejcikova in a marathon three-set match at the Korea Open on Thursday.
Raducanu served for the match at 6-4, 5-3, but could not close out the contest against her battle-hardened Czech opponent.
The British number one would eventually lose the contest, 4-6 7-6 6-1.
This was a disappointing result for the Brit: not only due to the result, but because she withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals to take part in the Korea Open.
However, for Krejcikova, this victory represented another feather in the cap for the Czech player, who has made a habit of coming back from the brink, as seen after stunning Taylor Townsend at the US Open.
After the match against Raducanu, Krejcikova reacted to the victory, describing the match as ‘difficult.’
Barbora Krejcikova says the crowd gave her energy while trailing Emma Raducanu
In her on-court interview immediately after the match, Krejcikova said to the WTA interviewer: “Definitely a difficult match.
“[I] was very down, I don’t really know how I turned it around. I’m just happy to be through and happy to be tough in my head.”
The Czech star was then asked about the fans’ influence on the match, with the interviewer noting that Krejcikova had a large support base in the crowd.
The interviewer said: “You’ve got so many fans here staying later today, so did their support help motivate you on court?”
Krejcikova responded: “Definitely, 100 per cent.
“At one point, they started cheering while I was serving and I think I was down, so that was really nice.
“And it definitely gave me an energy, so thank you guys for coming and for waiting here and being here until quite late.”
What next for Emma Raducanu?
Emma Raducanu will hope to bounce back from her disappointing result in Korea at a tournament which starts in just under a week’s time.
The 22-year-old is set to compete at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, China.
Raducanu did not compete at the tournament in 2024 due to a foot injury. Therefore, the British star has no WTA points to defend, handing her an opportunity to strengthen her case for a seeded spot at the 2026 Australian Open.
The Beijing Open, a 14-day event, is set to take place from September 24 to October 5.
