Raducanu suffers devastating Korea Open defeat as Krejcikova saves three match points in epic - live
Raducanu served for the match in the second set but Krejcikova mounted an epic comeback to win in almost three hours
Emma Raducanu suffered a painful exit from the Korea Open as Barbora Krejcikova saved three match points and came from a set down to win 4-6 7-6 (12-10) 6-1.
Raducanu looked on course to be returning to the quarter-finals and setting up a clash with World No 2 Iga Swiatek as the Briton led and then served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
Krejcikova, the two-time grand slam champion, saved her first match point on Raducanu’s serve to stay alive, and then saved two more in the marathon second-set tiebreak, eventually won by the Czech 12-10.
Raducanu, who herself had saved three set points to extend the pivotal tiebreak, won just one more game as Krejcikova found the break and stormed to victory in two hours and 55 minutes.
The defeat comes as a blow to Raducanu, who was defending quarter-final points from last season. The 22-year-old had opted to skip Great Britain’s involvement in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this week in order to play in the WTA 500 event in Seoul, with the British No. 1 determined to improve her ranking over the remainder of the season.
Follow all the action from Raducanu vs Krejcikova with our live blog below:
Emma Raducanu suffers agonising defeat to Barbora Krejcikova at Korea Open
Emma Raducanu was unable to take three match points as she faded to defeat against Barbora Krejcikova at the Korea Open.
The British number one looked poised to set up a quarter-final against Iga Swiatek when she led by a set and 5-2 only for former Wimbledon champion Krejcikova to stage a fightback and claim a 4-6 7-6 (10) 6-1 victory.
Emma Raducanu suffers agonising defeat to Barbora Krejcikova at Korea Open
Emma Raducanu beaten in three sets by Barbora Krejcikova
Emma Raducanu suffered a painful exit from the Korea Open as Barbora Krejcikova saved three match points and came from a set down to win 4-6 7-6 (12-10) 6-1.
Raducanu looked on course to be returning to the quarter-finals and setting up a clash with World No 2 Iga Swiatek as the Briton served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
Krejcikova, the two-time grand slam champion, her first saved match point on Raducanu’s serve to stay alive, and then saved two more in the marathon second-set tiebreak, eventually won by the Czech 12-10.
From there, Raducanu won just one more game as Krejcikova found the break and stormed to victory in almost three hours hours.
The defeat comes as a blow to Raducanu, who was defending quarter-final points from last season. The 22-year-old had opted to skip Great Britain’s involvement in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this week in order to play in the WTA 500 event in Seoul, with the British No. 1 determined to improve her ranking over the remainder of the season.
GAME, SET and MATCH! Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-6 Barbora Krejcikova
Barbora Krejcikova comes through a thrilling contest to defeat Emma Raducanu over three sets and book her place in the quarter-finals.
An even match across two sets saw Raducanu lead and even create three match points but Krejcikova’s resolve never wavered.
She fights from a set down to claim victory. She salutes the crowd who helped her out, especially in the second set.
Raducanu performed well but lost her momentum in the deciding set and Krejcikova got the job done.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-5 Barbora Krejcikova*
Emphatic.
Emma Raducanu has been blown away in this set. Another break of serve from Krejcikova puts her in control of the outcome of this match.
It’s been a brilliant fightback from the Czech and as her level has risen, Raducanu’s has fallen unfortunately.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-4 Barbora Krejcikova
The screw has definitely been turned. Emma Raducanu has played some super tennis today but Barbora Krejcikova has gone up another level.
A comfortable hold for the Czech puts her fully in control of the third set.
Raducanu can’t lost hope, Krejcikova herself was in this position in the second set and went on to win it. Raducanu has to believe she can get back into the match.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-3 Barbora Krejcikova*
Emma Raducanu is pushed back and a forehand lands in the net from the Brit. That gives the first point of the next game to Krejcikova.
The Czech draws another error from Raducanu who pushes a shot too long.
The next rally is better as a deft drop touch from Raducanu forces Krejcikova forward but her lobbed return goes long.
The fight is still there from Raducanu but seh’ll be worried about these errors. Another mishit offers up two break points to Krejcikova...
... The Czech only needs one. A cross court forehand is slapped past Raducanu and Krejcikova has the advantage in the third set.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-2 Barbora Krejcikova
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-2 Barbora Krejcikova
Chance for Raducanu. A couple of mistakes from Krejcikova puts the Brit 15-30 ahead against the serve.
The door is slightly ajar but the Czech looks to close it by taking the next two points.
A double fault keeps Raducanu’s hopes of a break alive as the game goes to deuce.
Those hopes are raised as Raducanu moves to advantage after Krejcikova pings a forehand into the net.
The Czech twice reigns Raducanu in and eventually gets a hold of serve.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
A perfect response from Raducanu who lands those ever-important first serves and troubles Krejcikova to return.
The Brit closes out her service match to love and draws level in the set.
The first break of serve could be the crucial one here. Raducanu has the chance to put some pressure on now.
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