Emma Raducanu: British star ‘struggled with everything’ in first-round Qatar Open exit to Anhelina Kalinina

Emma Raducanu said she “struggled with everything” during her first-round exit at the Qatar Open on Monday.

The Brit was beaten in straight sets by Anhelina Kalinina, who eventually sealed a 6-0 7-6 (6) victory following a thrilling second set.

“I was struggling with everything – serve, return, forehand, backhand. I felt like I never really got into it,” Raducanu told Sky Sports following her defeat in Qatar.

“It was a combination of things. It was the first day match I have played in a year. That is different. I need to practise training outside a bit more. The lights, conditions, shadows, it is really hard to see the ball, I found towards the end.

“When my tennis isn’t there I have to try and at least fight and I did that in the second set. I just struggled with the timing of the ball. It will come with more time practising as well as matches.”

The former US Open champion made 48 unforced errors during the match, with her Ukrainian counterpart conceding only 22.

In the second-set tiebreak, Raducanu had set point at 6-5 on her serve but Kalinina saved it to stay in contention, before eventually edging the Brit by winning the following two points.

Raducanu will return home following a busy period on tour and admitted she needed to improve her playing schedule.

“It is hard for me to get used to the tour schedule,” she explained. “It is one tournament then another straight away.

“I need to schedule my tournaments a bit better and try to get more matches under my belt.”