By Chalien Dantes

British number one Emma Raducanu has exited the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round after a hard-fought, three-set match against Antonia Ruzic.

Ruzic, ranked 67th in the world and entering the draw as one of several lucky losers, took early control and wrapped up the first set in just 30 minutes. Raducanu, who was a late switch to face Ruzic after Elisabetta Cocciaretto withdrew with a thigh injury, needed medical attention during the match, echoing her recent struggle at the Qatar Open.

After trailing by a set and a break, Raducanu mounted a strong response. She fought back from 5-3 down in the second set, breaking twice to level the contest and then surged into the decider with six straight games to take a 2-0 lead. But the momentum quickly shifted again as Ruzic reeled off six consecutive games of her own to seal a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 victory.

The early exit adds to a tough run of results for Raducanu as she looks to regain rhythm on the tour.