Britain’s Emma Raducanu has ended her losing run with a straight sets victory over Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The 22-year-old went into the tournament having lost her previous four matches – the worst run of her career – but needed just one hour and 20 minutes to seal a 6-4 6-2 win against the world number 29.
The 2021 US Open champion had not won since beating American Amanda Anisimova in the Australian Open second round on 16 January.
The British number two broke serve in the first game of both sets, and on the two occasions she lost her own serve she immediately broke back in the next game.
“There were some momentum shifts throughout the match and when I got broke twice early in the sets I regrouped really well and managed to break back both times,” said Raducanu.
“I was really pleased with the way I fought and competed against Maria. She is a top player and has been as high as three in the world. I’m really proud of my performance.”
Radcuanu will play Karolina Muchova in the second round after the Czech 14th seed beat Suzan Lamens 6-2 6-2.
