Emma Raducanu out in first round of Stuttgart Open after comprehensive defeat to Jelena Ostapenko

Emma Raducanu suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Stuttgart Open, picking up just three games.as her opponent Jelena Ostapenko secured a dominant 6-2 6-1 victory.

Raducanu has struggled with a wrist problem in recent weeks, and was given a tough draw in Germany against the powerful Ostapenko.

Ostapenko, who won the French Open back in 2017, is currently is ranked No. 21 in the world and a quarter-final appearance in the Australian Open this year demonstrated she continues to be a threat.

Raducanu missed last week’s Billie Jean King Cup defeat for Great Britain against France, but the rest appeared to have done little to help her despite winning the match’s first game.

Ostapenko proceeded to win 16 points unanswered to go 4-1 up, before closing out the first set wioth ease.

In the second set, Raducanu won the first six points, but was unable to break in the second despite a 30-0 lead.

Ostapenko’s experience helped her outdo Raducanu as she took each of her five break points on offer, and on the way to victory her momentum was such that she reeled off six consecutive games, requiring just under an hour to complete her win.

“I think I played really well and didn’t give her many chances,” said Ostapenko afterwards. “I knew of course she’s a great player and it would be a tough match.

“I’m always ready for a battle. It’s great to be back in Stuttgart. It’s a really nice atmosphere here.”

For Raducanu meanwhile, it’s back to the drawing board as she plots her next move during the clay-court season.

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