Emma Raducanu fails to capitalize on crucial opportunities against Jessica Pegula, marking a second consecutive loss after holding multiple match points.

Emma Raducanu entered the China Open with high hopes, showcasing a confident and steadily improving game against world No. 7 Jessica Pegula. For much of the match, Raducanu’s varied skills and defensive prowess were on full display, disrupting Pegula’s rhythm and putting her in a strong position to clinch victory. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Raducanu crumbled under pressure, failing to convert three match points and ultimately losing 3-6, 7-6 (9), 6-0. This defeat marks a second consecutive loss for Raducanu after holding multiple match points, echoing her previous defeat against Barbora Krejcikova in Seoul.

The British No. 1 had entered the match with a renewed sense of confidence, having spent nearly two months working with her new coach, Francisco Roig. Her backhand slice, variation, and defensive skills had been instrumental in disrupting Pegula’s clean, rhythmic shotmaking early in the match. However, as Pegula began to find her range and put Raducanu under significant pressure, the 22-year-old showed her improved serve and forehand striking ability, holding off her opponent throughout an intense, high-quality second set before reaching match point at 6-5 in the tie-break.

Despite being in a winning position, Raducanu did not execute her opportunities effectively. Pegula saved the first two match points with two stunning backhand down-the-line winners from defensive positions before forcing an error on the third. Raducanu’s most significant error came at 5-4 in the tie-break, where a double fault cost her the crucial point. Although she recovered quickly, Pegula clearly gained confidence from her opponent’s nerves, ultimately capitalizing on the moment to secure the win.

The loss is particularly significant for Raducanu, as this week marked her long-awaited tour-level debut in China, where her mother, Renee, is originally from. The defeat will now leave her with the challenge of dissecting one of the toughest setbacks of her career, especially as she continues to adapt to her new coaching setup and refine her ability to close out big matches.

In contrast, fellow British player Sonay Kartal continued her excellent form in Beijing, advancing to the fourth round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Maya Joint of Australia. Kartal had struggled after her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, but she has since found her rhythm, remaining undefeated in Beijing and set to face the fourth seed Mirra Andreeva in the round of 16.

In the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner moved into the semi-finals with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Fabian Marozsan, while Carlos Alcaraz continued his stellar form at the Japan Open, reaching his ninth consecutive final with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Casper Ruud. Alcaraz will now face Taylor Fritz, the second seed, in the final.