Ekaterina Alexandrova has revealed she had revenge on her mind before battling to knock Emma Raducanu out of the Qatar Open on Sunday.
Raducanu has been on a mission in 2025 to try and play as many tournaments as possible to build up some momentum.
She began the year in promising form by reaching the third round of the Australian Open.
But it's been a difficult period for the British No 2 ever since exiting the Melbourne major, with her coach Nick Cavaday also leaving after the tournament due to health reasons.
Emma Raducanu has lost four matches in a row
GETTY
Raducanu has been unable to find a permanent replacement for Cavaday with Roman Kelecic stepping in on a temporary basis.
The Qatar Open represented another opportunity for Raducanu to build up some match fitness, but the wildcard lost in straight sets to Alexandrova.
It's the longest losing streak of Raducanu's young career and she's failed to get past the first round in her last three tournaments.
The match against Alexandrova came just weeks after the two met at the Australian Open.
Raducanu got the better of the No 26 seed on that occasion in an impressive victory with both sets going to a tiebreak.
And Alexandrova has admitted that she was looking for redemption against Raducanu in Qatar after the draw was made.
"I was looking forward to this match because the last match we played, it was very close and very difficult, and I was really upset after that match," Alexandrova said on court afterwards.
"When I saw the draw, I thought that maybe it’s gonna be my chance.
Emma Raducanu is still trying to build up some form
GETTY"And I’m glad that I could win, even [though] it was a pretty difficult match to play. She played well.
"It's currently unclear when Raducanu might next play as she will need another late wildcard to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships next week.
The following week sees the WTA Tour head to North America with events in Mexico and Austin before the Sunshine Swing.
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Emma Raducanu has split from coach Nick CavadayPADue to her limited schedule last year and injuries restricting her progress, Raducanu doesn't have a lot of points to defend.
It means that her world ranking position hasn't suffered too much despite her poor form over the past few weeks.
Her best events last year prior to the grasscourt season were in Indian Wells and Stuttgart, meaning she will need to match or better that result this year to avoid a drop in the rankings.
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