Emma Raducanu lost a tight second-round match at the Madrid Open to Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who she beat in the same round of the tournament three years ago.
Kostyuk, who received a bye into the second round, raced into a 2-0 lead but Raducanu fought back in a high-quality match which saw multiple breaks of serve and momentum swings before ultimately losing 4-6, 6-2, 2-6.
The British No. 2 moved into the ascendancy after losing the first set, winning four games in a row and breaking again to seal the second and force a decider.
But a sloppy opening service game conceded the early advantage to the 24th seed, a confident clay-court player whose movement, skilful drop shots and impressive power and accuracy gave her the edge in the deciding set.
Raducanu continued to show moments of her quality and actually won one more point than Kostyuk in the match, but couldn’t hold her serve in the crucial moments as the Ukrainian steamrolled to the finish line and served out the win at the first time of asking.
Follow live updates from their Madrid Open match below:
Emma Raducanu vs Marta Kostyuk LIVE
- Emma Raducanu kicked off her Madrid Open campaign with a win over Suzan Lamens
- Brit faces Marta Kostyuk for a space in the third round
- Kostyuk wins the first set 6-4
- Momentum swings Raducanu's way as she breaks for 4-2 in the second
- Raducanu breaks to seal second set 6-2 and force a decider
- Raducanu breaks back to level tight deciding set at 2-2
- Kostyuk pulls ahead in tense deciding set to lead 5-2 with two breaks
Ukraine beat Great Britain
17:58 , Flo CliffordRaducanu’s defeat means there are no British women left in the Madrid Open draw, after Katie Boulter was dispatched 6-1, 6-2 by Jasmine Paolini earlier this morning, and another Ukrainian - 17th seed Elina Svitolina - saw off Sonay Kartal 6-3, 6-1 in the third match on Court 4.
Kostyuk to face Maria Sakkari next
17:55 , Flo CliffordKostyuk takes her time chatting to fans and signing autographs.
She’ll play Maria Sakkari of Greece in the third round.
Stat-watch
17:52 , Flo CliffordThe final stats show that was a really close match: Raducanu actually won more points, 85 to Kostyuk’s 84, but just didn’t have the accuracy on serve, especially in that final set.
Kostyuk’s serve needs some work - she sent down nine double faults to Raducanu’s four - but if she improves that she could be real force to be reckoned with, especially on this surface.
Still a good match by Raducanu, who also looks to have plenty of the tools needed to succeed on a surface that she isn’t the most familiar with to date.
Kostyuk wins 6-4, 2-6, 6-2
17:50 , Flo CliffordKostyuk picks up her dog from her box, putting him down briefly to take selfies and sign autographs, while a member of staff stands nervously nearby.
The dog looks to be having a great time trotting around on the clay but is scooped up and escorted out!
Not every day you see that.
GAME, SET AND MATCH: Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-6 Marta Kostyuk*
17:48 , Flo CliffordKostyuk seals it! She has Raducanu on the back foot and the Brit tries to dig out the ball, but sends it long.
Another shout and a fist pump from Kostyuk. An impressive win by the 24th seed.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 Marta Kostyuk*
17:46 , Flo CliffordHer first serve is wayward. Raducanu attacks the second and Kostyuk nets.
Another chance at 40-30.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 Marta Kostyuk*
17:46 , Flo CliffordDown the line winner by Kostyuk. Match point at 40-15.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 Marta Kostyuk*
17:45 , Flo CliffordDouble fault, her ninth of the match, compared to four for Raducanu.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 Marta Kostyuk*
17:44 , Flo CliffordIs there a late twist in this tale?
Kostyuk serves for the match.
She gets off to a good start with a lovely mid-court slice and another skilful net volley.
BREAK! *Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-5 Marta Kostyuk
17:42 , Flo CliffordAnother shout and fist pump from a fired-up Kostyuk as she produces another belter of a cross-court forehand - so aggressive that her bracelet looks to have come off in the process.
Third break point.
Third time lucky! It’s a replica mid-court forehand, with Raducanu way behind the baseline. Kostyuk will serve for a place in the third round.
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-4 Marta Kostyuk
17:40 , Flo CliffordLong! Kostyk bites the handle of her racquet in frustration as she’s miles out, the Brit forcing her to defend deep.
“Come on!” shouts the Ukrainian as Raducanu punts it long herself. Advantage Kostyuk.
She has a second serve to attack, but nets! Kostyuk’s not happy with herself. Back to deuce.
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-4 Marta Kostyuk
17:38 , Flo CliffordRaducanu is looking a little deflated now. As at the start of this match Kostyuk is pressing, attacking every point, and Raducanu just looks to be playing catch-up.
Kostyuk whips in another forehand winner, kissing the baseline, to move 0-30 up.
Now Raducanu wins an absolutely stunning rally, one of the longest of the match. Kostyuk is in back-to-the-wall defence mode and eventually Raducanu breaks her down, redirecting the ball effortlessly with Kostyuk going the wrong way.
She gets the next point with a good first serve, but Kostyuk attacks again and has another break point at 30-40.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-4 Marta Kostyuk*
17:34 , Flo CliffordRaducanu has a look-in at the second serve and gets lucky as her return skims the net, but Kostyuk switches it up and fires the ball out of reach.
She moves forward again and puts away a great volley to dig herself out of trouble in a tricky game. Two games away for the Ukrainian.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-3 Marta Kostyuk*
17:32 , Flo CliffordKostyuk looks a bit embarrassed as she overthinks a forehand at the net, waiting for it to bounce and punting it almost out of court.
She redeems it on the next point with a flawless down the line forehand winner. Both players have had a lot of success off their forehands today - when they’ve been firing, at least.
She has Raducanu on the run and Kostyuk camps out at the net, volleying in another great drop shot. Raducanu gets the better of her on the next passing shot though as the Ukrainian tries the same tactic.
But Raducanu fights back to deuce as Kostyuk puts a bit too much heft on another cross-court forehand.
BREAK BACK! *Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-3 Marta Kostyuk
17:27 , Flo CliffordKostyuk tries to switch up the rally with a forehand into the open court, but it drifts wide for 30-15 on Raducanu’s serve.
She’s all over a Raducanu slice drop shot though, whipping it cross-court for 30-30.
Now it’s Kostyuk’s turn to fist pump and shout in encouragement as, after mishitting her first return, she pushes Raducanu back and forces her into the net.
Break-back point, and Raducanu can’t control her net volley, sending it long. A frustrating end to that game for the Brit.
BREAK! Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 2-2 Marta Kostyuk*
17:23 , Flo CliffordA first double fault of the third set for Kostyuk opens the door for Raducanu at 15-30.
Raducanu has a chance on another second serve, but Kostyuk gets lucky with the net cord as it just dips over onto Raducanu’s side!
Now the Brit lets out a huge roar as she hammers down a great return for break point.
And Kostyuk’s shot sails long! Raducanu breaks back!
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 1-2 Marta Kostyuk
17:18 , Flo CliffordA deft lob gets Raducanu out of another net exchange as she digs out a delicate Kostyuk volley that looked set to die on the ground.
Better from Raducanu as Kostyuk shanks into the net twice, and she seals a first love hold of the match. She’s on the board in this final set.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 0-2 Marta Kostyuk*
17:15 , Flo CliffordFrom having all that momentum from winning the second set, Raducanu looks deflated after that wobble of a game.
She whips in a forehand down the line, clearly frustrated, and it’s a beauty of a shot.
Now she attacks Kostyuk’s second serve with another brilliant forehand, this time cross-court, but Kostyuk fights back with a dazzler of her own into the postage stamp on the deuce corner.
Raducanu goes long for 40-30, and Kostyuk sends in a brave second serve - and it pays off as she backs up her break.
BREAK! *Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2, 0-1 Marta Kostyuk
17:12 , Flo CliffordBoth players have come out swinging in this decider. A deft drop shot by Kostyuk catches Raducanu off-guard for 30-30.
Oh no. A very poorly timed double fault hands Kostyuk an early break point opportunity.
She fires a forehand just a fraction wide, and she’s on the back foot.
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2 Marta Kostyuk
17:07 , Flo CliffordRaducanu to serve first in this deciding set.
BREAK AND SECOND SET! Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-2 Marta Kostyuk*
17:05 , Flo CliffordA wild smack by Kostyuk to start her service game, serving to stay in this second set.
Raducanu has a couple of chances to put the rally away but gets sucked into a net exchange - and comes out on top this time! The Brit is looking the more positive of the two players now.
She redirects Kostyuk, who nets to go 0-40 down, and Raducanu has three set points.
The former US Open champion fires long on the first, but she gets lucky on the net cord on the second. Another break and the second set in the bag after winning four games on the trot.
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 5-2 Marta Kostyuk
17:00 , Flo CliffordA good first serve by Raducanu, but then the game starts to slip away as she nets on the next point, then fires long, and punts the ball into the net again for break-back point.
Her first serve is wayward, but Kostyuk is too hesitant on the second and Raducanu gets to deuce.
The Brit attacks the next point, forcing the error from the Ukrainian, but she fires a precise forehand down the line for deuce again.
Another blistering first serve gives Raducanu the advantage, and as Kostyuk goes long she can breathe a sigh of relief.
BREAK! Emma Raducanu 4-6, 4-2 Marta Kostyuk*
16:53 , Flo CliffordFast start by Kostyuk, but she goes long on the next point.
She puts away a volley with ease - the 24th seed looks in a hurry to be done with this game.
A Raducanu down-the-line shot looks to be drifting wide but just curls back in, and Kostyuk gets there but is off-balance for the next shot. 30-30.
Another bad double fault by the Ukrainian...
And another, her sixth and seventh of the match! Raducanu breaks!
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 3-2 Marta Kostyuk
16:49 , Flo CliffordRaducanu gives Kostyuk taste of her own medicine, forcing her into the backhand corner before smashing a volley the other way.
But Kostyuk - a fine doubles player - gets the better of another duel at the net, lobbing into the open court behind the Brit.
A fabulous forehand from Raducanu just skims the baseline, and she forces Kostyuk long with an impressive first serve. This set is feeling pretty tight.
Emma Raducanu 4-6, 2-2 Marta Kostyuk*
16:45 , Flo CliffordKostyuk goes just long to give Raducanu a look-in at 30-30, but lets out a roar with a whipped forehand into the corner, followed by a powerful strike into the centre of the court. The Ukrainian is looking pumped up and in control.
BREAK BACK! *Emma Raducanu 4-6, 2-1 Marta Kostyuk
16:40 , Flo CliffordRaducanu makes a rare venture to the net and smashes it away.
The pair exchange deft volleys at the net, Raducanu doing well to chase the first down, but Kostyuk swats away the ball into the open court.
The Ukrainian does well to mix up her game and earns a break-back point. But another scorching Raducanu cross-court forehand saves the first! It’s a fabulous shot.
But the Ukrainian breaks back as Raducanu’s backhand breaks down! On serve again.
BREAK! Emma Raducanu 4-6, 2-0 Marta Kostyuk*
16:35 , Flo CliffordA bit wayward by Kostyuk for 15-15. Raducanu gives herself a pep talk as she waits for receive serve.
The Kostyuk forehand is lacking the same accuracy as it has done, but she continues to power-hit her way through the rally and forces Raducanu to net for 30-30.
A fabulous cross-court forehand return by Raducanu gifts her break point.
A double fault hands it over!
*Emma Raducanu 4-6, 1-0 Marta Kostyuk
16:32 , Flo CliffordThere seems to be no issue with Kostyuk’s forehand as she wins the first point, before the next sails long.
The Ukrainian then nets and it’s a comfortable, businesslike hold for the Brit.
Second set
16:29 , Flo CliffordKostyuk has her right wrist attended to and seems fine to continue after a slightly longer break between sets than expected.
Raducanu to serve first.
Kostyuk speaks to the trainer
16:25 , Flo CliffordKostyuk looks to have injured her wrist or hand in the final stages of that set and has got the trainer on.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 Marta Kostyuk*
16:22 , Flo CliffordA good first set from both players, with Raducanu making life difficult for Kostyuk midway through, but the Ukrainian reasserted herself, played some fabulous tennis, and deservedly leads.
The clay is given a sweep and a watering in the break between sets.
GAME AND FIRST SET: Emma Raducanu 4-6 Marta Kostyuk*
16:20 , Flo CliffordKostyuk imposes herself from the baseline even with Raducanu attacking her second serve, forcing the Brit off-balance.
Raducanu plays a good backhand return but looks surprised to see it comes back over the net.
She nets twice in succession before Kostyuk double faults again.
Raducanu has another second serve to attack, but can only send it into the net, and the Ukrainian leads 6-4 after 50 minutes.
*Emma Raducanu 4-5 Marta Kostyuk
16:16 , Flo CliffordRaducanu rallied midway through this set but is letting Kostyuk dictate play too much now.
She puts Kostyuk slightly off-balance with a serve down the T and forces her long.
Then a superb rally from both players as Raducanu gets to a great Kostyuk volley, before her opponent floats in an acutely-angled drop shot at the net! Highlight-reel worthy.
Moving to the net once more, Kostyuk forces Raducanu to net for deuce - she’s so comfortable from every part of the court.
But her down the line shot is out, and Raducanu digs herself out of a tough game as Kostyuk shanks the ball way clear of the baseline.
Emma Raducanu 3-5 Marta Kostyuk*
16:11 , Flo CliffordFabulous start by Raducanu with a superb return, but it doesn’t make a dent into the Kostyuk game. She looks stranded at the net but slices a volley which just clips the baseline.
A second serve ace - a first ace of the match - moves her further ahead. She looks back in control of this one.
And follows that up with a double fault! 30-30.
Big shout and fist pump from Kostyuk as she strikes a pinpoint-accurate forehand winner into the ad corner, then redirects Raducanu and fires down another smash at the net to move one game away from taking this first set.
BREAK! *Emma Raducanu 3-4 Marta Kostyuk
16:05 , Flo CliffordRaducanu lobs long from the back of court, but enquires of the umpire whether Kostyuk went long earlier in the rally. It certainly looked like it, but it seems there’s an issue with the video review system, so we don’t know.
She runs out of room at the net and falls 0-30 down. Her first serve has gone a bit AWOL in this game and a double fault gifts Kostyuk another break point.
The Ukrainian nets. One saved. 30-40.
Another double fault! Oh dear. Momentum shifts again.
Emma Raducanu 3-3 Marta Kostyuk*
16:00 , Flo CliffordRaducanu plays a stunning down-the-line forehand winner to win one of the longest rallies of this one so far.
A double fault by Kostyuk puts her 0-30 up. The conditions are pretty breezy here in Madrid and Raducanu looks to put the pressure on, attacking her wide second serve and forcing Kostyuk to net.
Raducanu looks more pumped up now after that hold. Kostyuk saves one break point with a sharp cross-court backhand, but goes long on the next under pressure from another fabulous Raducanu return. All square!
*Emma Raducanu 2-3 Marta Kostyuk
15:55 , Flo CliffordRaducanu plays a tame second serve and nets, and gestures in annoyance and confusion towards her box.
A fifth deuce, then Kostyuk hits long.
Big first serve and Kostyuk nets! Raducanu keeps the deficit to just one break. Huge game.
*Emma Raducanu 1-3 Marta Kostyuk
15:53 , Flo CliffordKostyuk appears completely in control of this one so far, playing aggressively and moving easily around the court.
She forces the error from Raducanu as she moves forward, then surprises the Brit when what looks like an overhit volley kisses the sideline.
A double fault gives Kostyuk break point. Raducanu saves one and slams down a fast second serve to catch Kostyuk unawares, for deuce.
She saves two break points with some brilliant, precise serving, but goes long to hand over another. For one of the first times this match Kostyuk switches it up - and gets her drop shot all wrong. Four break points saved, then a beautifully redirected point earns game point of her own.
Emma Raducanu 1-3 Marta Kostyuk*
15:45 , Flo CliffordA lovely sharp cross-court return by Raducanu leaves Kostyuk stranded, but the Ukrainian gets the better of her in the next rally.
Raducanu plays a brilliant forehand to keep in the point and force her opponent to net for 15-30.
But she follows up with a wild return off Kostyuk’s second serve, and the 24th seed’s forehand is firing on all cylinders as she smacks a winner into the corner of the court. A net smash seals the game for Kostyuk and she fist pumps on her way back the baseline.
*Emma Raducanu 1-2 Marta Kostyuk
15:39 , Flo CliffordKostyuk goes long on a second serve return but looks totally at ease in the next rally, dominating from the baseline before putting away a languid smash at the net.
But Raducanu looks steadier after that shaky start and gets on the board as Kostyuk fires wide.
Emma Raducanu 0-2 Marta Kostyuk*
15:37 , Flo CliffordA double fault by Kostyuk gives Raducanu a reprieve, but the 24th seed effortlessly redirects the Brit around the corner before firing down a cross-court winner to back up her break.
*Emma Raducanu 0-1 Marta Kostyuk
15:35 , Flo CliffordA less than ideal start for the Brit as Kostyuk races into an early break to 15.
The Ukrainian reaches 30-0 on her own serve before she fires long to give Raducanu an opening.
*Emma Raducanu vs Marta Kostyuk
15:33 , Flo CliffordA little bit earlier than expected, the players are out on court in the Madrid sunshine. Raducanu to serve first.
*denotes next server
Emma Raducanu to continue ‘informal’ coaching set-up with Mark Petchey
15:30 , Flo CliffordThe Brit has Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey in her camp in Madrid after the pair opted to continue their informal parternship after a successful trial at the Miami Open, where Raducanu reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final.
Raducanu shared before Madrid that the more relaxed set-up, and having people she knows well in her corner, has been working well for her.
Emma Raducanu to continue ‘informal’ coaching set-up with Mark Petchey
Emma Raducanu marks return to action with straight-sets win at Madrid Open
15:20 , Flo CliffordEmma Raducanu banished the ghosts of last year’s Madrid Open campaign, when she lost in the first round to Maria Lourdes Carle, with a dogged straight-set win over Suzan Lamens.
The Dutch player has risen up the rankings recently and has enjoyed a strong start to the season on clay, but Raducanu dug deep in the key moments to win 7-6, 6-4.
Emma Raducanu marks return to action with straight-sets win at Madrid Open
Bad luck for Boulter
15:15 , Flo CliffordKartal and Raducanu are the last two Brits left in action in the WTA draw, after British No. 1 Katie Boulter fell in straight sets to Jasmine Paolini.
The Italian sixth seed dropped just three games to seal victory in exactly an hour, bringing an abrupt end to Boulter’s Madrid campaign after a promising start.
The 28-year-old recorded her first WTA win on clay in the first round after a three-set tussle with Katerina Siniakova, but could not replicate that this time round.
Katie Boulter falls to straight-sets defeat to Jasmine Paolini at Madrid Open
Svitolina wins
15:10 , Flo CliffordAnd Elina Svitolina has absolutely rattled through that second set, winning 6-3, 6-1 against Sonay Kartal.
Raducanu - the last Brit in the women’s draw - vs Kostyuk is up next.
Svitolina a set up on Kartal
15:00 , Flo Clifford17th seed Elina Svitolina is having it all her own way in the final match before Raducanu-Kostyuk on Court 4.
The new Rouen Open champion took the first set 6-3 and leads 3-0 in the second, so Raducanu’s match might be underway sooner rather than later.
How to watch
14:50 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK can watch all of the action from the Madrid Open on Sky Sports.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Good afternoon
14:30 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Emma Raducanu’s second-round match at the Madrid Open.
She takes on Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in just the second match of her clay season, as she bids to maintain her momentum from the American hard-court spring.
Follow here for all the build-up and live updates from the match.
When does Emma Raducanu play in Madrid?
13:12 , Flo CliffordRaducanu vs Kostyuk is the fourth match scheduled on Court 4 in the Spanish capital.
Play began at 11am local time (10am UK time) with Francisco Comesana dispatching in-form Frenchman Arthur Fils in the opening match, before Comesana’s compatriot Juan Manuel Cerundolo recorded a similar upset over Felix Auger-Aliassime.
GB’s Sonay Kartal is currently in action against Rouen champion Elina Svitolina, with the Ukrainian 5-2 up in the first set.
That match is the last on Court 4 before Raducanu gets underway, with her match likely to start around 3.50pm UK time.
