Emma Raducanu is set for another high-stakes rematch as she prepares to take on Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the 2025 Qatar Open. Having already defeated Alexandrova in two tense tiebreaks at the Australian Open a few weeks ago, the 2021 US Open champion is ready to test herself again—this time with a wildcard entry.
But beyond the matchup itself, Raducanu has also weighed in on a debate surrounding last-minute player withdrawals, a topic that has gained traction following Alexandrova’s abrupt exit from Wimbledon 2024 just moments before their scheduled match.
🔥 Raducanu on Withdrawals: ‘Players Hold On to Hope’
In mid-2024, Raducanu was set to face Alexandrova in the first round of Wimbledon, only for the Russian to withdraw minutes before the match due to physical issues. She was replaced by Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazúa—an unexpected switch that sparked questions about whether there should be a time requirement for withdrawals before a walkover is granted.
Raducanu, however, sees both sides and defended players who withdraw late.
“I think it’s difficult because I’ve been on the player’s side. You’re always hoping, when you wake up in the morning, you’re going to feel a lot better.”
Given her own history with injuries and illness, the former World No. 10 sympathized with players who make last-minute decisions about their physical condition.
“Whether it’s with illness, whether it’s with injury. You’re like, ‘Okay, I’m going to see how it is in the morning.’ I think it is good how it is, to be honest. It’s just more having to deal with those consequences.”
Her mature stance on the matter comes after several injury struggles of her own, which sidelined her for most of 2023 and forced her to undergo multiple surgeries.
🔥 Can Raducanu Solve Her Serving Woes Against Alexandrova?
While Raducanu’s previous win against Alexandrova at the Australian Open showed her resilience, it also exposed a glaring weakness—her serve.
- She hit 15 double faults in the match, an issue she later admitted she had no immediate explanation for.
- “I’m not sure what I changed in my serve today. I will be sure to reflect, look at that, and come back to you.”
Now, as she prepares for another showdown, improving her service consistency could be the difference between a routine win or another nail-biting battle.
🔥 Raducanu’s Coaching Shake-Up: A New Chapter Begins
As she enters the Qatar Open, Raducanu is also navigating a major change in her coaching setup.
The Brit recently split from coach Nick Cavaday, ending a year-long partnership—her longest coaching stint since winning the US Open in 2021.
“I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit. Especially being post-surgeries, he helped get me back inside the world’s top 60.”
While Raducanu’s frequent coaching changes have often drawn scrutiny, she remains optimistic about her future and has reunited with a familiar face in her camp for Qatar.
🔥 What’s Next? Raducanu’s Path in Doha
- She faces Alexandrova in the first round, aiming to repeat her Australian Open success.
- A deep run in Qatar could boost her confidence as she looks to climb the WTA rankings.
- Finding coaching stability will be key as she continues her post-injury comeback.
With wildcard opportunities still rolling in, Raducanu has another golden chance to prove she belongs back among the elite.
Can she take full advantage? The first step starts in Qatar.