Emma Raducanu’s 2025 campaign took a detour in Singapore as the seventh seed bowed out in a first-round thriller against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. The match, marked by breathtaking rallies and dramatic momentum swings, ultimately ended with a tough loss for Raducanu: 7-5, 5-7, 5-7.
A Risky Scheduling Move
Raducanu’s decision to compete at the WTA 250 Singapore Open just days after the Australian Open was a bold one. While the tournament offered a valuable chance to reset and gain points in a less crowded field, the quick turnaround and challenging time zone adjustments posed a unique challenge for the 2021 US Open champion.
Instead of joining the higher-profile WTA 500 event in Linz, Raducanu opted for Singapore, a tournament making its return to the calendar after a 31-year absence. However, her first-round opponent, Cristina Bucsa, proved to be a formidable hurdle, even with a lower seeding.
Match Recap: A Game of Missed Opportunities
Set 1: Raducanu’s Resilience The opening set showcased Raducanu’s ability to fight under pressure. After saving two break points in the very first game, she capitalized on Bucsa’s errors to secure a 3-1 lead. However, the British star was broken back immediately, and the set turned into a tight battle. Despite trailing 4-5, Raducanu broke Bucsa twice to clinch the set 7-5, hinting at a promising start.
Set 2: Nerves Take Over Raducanu struggled to maintain her momentum in the second set. Falling behind 2-4, she clawed her way back to level the score at 4-4. Leading 5-4, it appeared the Brit might close out the match, but Bucsa turned the tables with an impressive comeback, winning the last three games to steal the set 7-5.
Set 3: The Final Rollercoaster The deciding set was a microcosm of the entire match: unpredictable and emotionally charged. Raducanu surged to a 3-1 lead, only to see Bucsa mount a counterattack and take a 4-3 advantage. Even after leveling the score and leading 5-4, Raducanu faltered in the closing stages. Bucsa, showing greater composure, won three consecutive games to seal the victory 7-5.
What Went Wrong for Raducanu?
- Missed Chances: Despite several leads throughout the match, Raducanu struggled to close out sets, letting Bucsa back in each time.
- Physical and Mental Fatigue: The quick turnaround from Melbourne to Singapore may have left Raducanu with limited time to recover physically and mentally.
- Consistency: Raducanu’s brilliant flashes of play were marred by unforced errors at crucial moments, a recurring theme throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
While the loss is undoubtedly disappointing, Raducanu has shown flashes of her signature tenacity. The key for the British star now will be to learn from this early setback and recalibrate her focus for the next tournament.
The defeat also underscores the fine margins of professional tennis. Raducanu’s path back to the top will demand greater consistency and composure in tight matches—qualities that made her a Grand Slam champion in 2021.
Cristina Bucsa’s Victory
For Bucsa, the win over a former Grand Slam champion is a significant confidence boost. Her ability to outlast Raducanu in such a grueling match demonstrates her growing poise under pressure, and she’ll undoubtedly be one to watch as the tournament progresses.
While Raducanu’s Singapore campaign ended prematurely, it’s clear that she remains committed to refining her game. Fans will be eager to see how she bounces back in the coming weeks as the season unfolds.