By Tony Fairbairn
- Emma Raducanu [WC] def Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-2
- Raducanu v Karolina Muchova [14] | H2H: First Meeting
DUBAI, UAE – Emma Raducanu made it a third consecutive win over Maria Sakkari as she advanced into the second round in Dubai where she will face Karolina Muchova.
 |
|---|
Emma Raducanu [WC] def Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-2
Emma Raducanu is into the second round in Dubai as she defeated Maria Sakkari in straight sets. The Brit won her third consecutive match against Sakkari with this being her first win since the Australian Open. It was an aggressive and authoritative start from Raducanu, who broke to love in the opening game.
It wasn’t just on return that Raducanu was finding her confidence as Raducanu was being efficient and clinical on serve. However the Brit briefly lost her concentration as Sakkari battled back to break in the sixth game, levelling the set at 3-3. Luckily for Raducanu, Sakkari was also void of confidence and the Brit took advantage to immediately break back for a 4-3 lead. There wasn’t much for Raducanu to worry about once she got her first serve into play as the former US Open champion comfortably secured the opening set in 43 minutes.
The second set saw a familiar story as Raducanu was aggressive and proactive as she broke in the opening game of the second set. Once again there was resistance from Sakkari as the world number 29 broke back in the fourth game with some powerful yet consistent forehand returning.
However, there was very little for Sakkari to celebrate as two quick breaks of serve from Raducanu secured victory and a place in the second round.
Emma Raducanu [WC] v Karolina Muchova [14] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Emma Raducanu [WC] v Karolina Muchova [14] | H2H: First Meeting |
| WTA Dubai 2025 | Dubai, UAE |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $23,500 |
| Fourth on Court One (11:30 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Raducanu will now take on 14th seed Karolina Muchova with this being their first ever meeting.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Emma Raducanu (WR 61) | Karolina Muchova (WR 17) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Quarter-Final (2023) |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 38 | 38.9 |
| Return Points Won % | 45 | 44.8 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 49.1 | 45.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61.5 | 64.9 |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 56.4 | 62.1 |
Raducanu will need to maintain her clinical efficiency on return as Muchova is one of the best servers on tour.
 |
|---|
Playing styles and prediction
Despite a phenomenal end to the season last year which included a US Open semi-final and a run to the final in Beijing, Muchova has been disappointing so far in 2025. The Czech Republican is looking for back-to-back to wins at a tournament for the second time this year in Dubai and will be hoping for a bit more consistency if she wants to climb up the rankings.
Raducanu will be aggressive on return but will also need to be consistent on serve if she wants to test Muchova’s game. Meanwhile the 14th seed will use a mixture of slice and power to throw Raducanu off her game with the Czech Republican looking to dictate the tempo of the rallies. This should be an entertaining contest with this match expected to go to three sets. The variety of Muchova may have too much for Raducanu in the end though in this fascinating match.
Prediction: Muchova in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow WTA Dubai 2025
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |