Emma Raducanu makes losing return to WTA Tour in San Jose after Wimbledon exploits
Britain’s Emma Raducanu lost in straight sets in her first match since her thrilling Wimbledon debut last month.
The 18-year-old wildcard lost 6-3 6-2 to China’s Zhang Shuai at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.
Her return to the WTA Tour in San Jose followed her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, which ended in retirement.
“She’s a really nice girl and plays really, really great tennis,” said world number 51 Zhang.
Zhang, a Grand Slam doubles champion at the Australian Open in 2019, raced into a 3-0 lead in the first set and was quickly 4-0 up in the second in the night match at the hardcourt tournament.
Raducanu’s serve was broken four times in all and while she had two break points against her experienced opponent early in set two, she failed to capitalise.
Zhang hit 29 winners in sealing a comfortable victory in 82 minutes.
