Britain's top-ranked tennis player Emma Raducanu experienced a devastating defeat in Seoul, surrendering three opportunities to close out her second-round match at the Korea Open.
The eighth seed fell to former Grand Slam winner Barbora Krejcikova in three sets, losing 4-6, 7-6(10), 6-1.
The British number one had commanded the match, leading by a set and holding a 5-2 advantage in the second.
However, the Czech player mounted an extraordinary comeback, saving all three match points during a dramatic second-set tiebreak before dominating the final set to secure victory.
Emma Raducanu blew a spectacular lead to lose in the second round of the Korea Open
| GETTYThe match began with both players exchanging service breaks, though Raducanu faced persistent pressure on her serve throughout the opening set.
The 2021 US Open champion capitalised when Krejcikova served at 4-5, as the Czech player committed a crucial double fault that handed Raducanu the first set after 53 minutes.
JUST IN: Luke Littler 'announces break' from darts - but fans think they know reason why
The second set saw immediate drama when Krejcikova broke in the opening game, only to surrender her serve immediately with a love game.
The 2024 Wimbledon champion's serving woes continued as she conceded another break, allowing Raducanu to build a commanding 5-2 lead with four consecutive games.
The British player's choice to withdraw from the BJK Cup Finals proved costly.
Emma Raducanu was thrashed in the third set to give up the win
|SKY SPORTS
She had opted out of representing her nation in the team competition, instead accepting a wildcard entry to Seoul to focus on improving her ranking position.
While Raducanu was collapsing in Korea, her British teammates were securing victory in their quarter-final tie without her.
The timing could not have been worse for the 22-year-old, whose gamble on prioritising individual success over national duty spectacularly misfired.
This second-round exit marks Raducanu's poorest performance at the Korea Open, a tournament where she had previously excelled.
When serving for the match at 5-3, Raducanu began strongly with her third ace but couldn't convert her first match point as Krejcikova struck a forehand winner.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Korean Open after losing a near three-hour battle against Barbora Krejcikova 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ZsEuOXOSNG
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 18, 2025
The world number 39 saved two more match points with aggressive winners before breaking back to stay alive.
The tiebreak proved pivotal, with Raducanu failing to capitalise on her three match points whilst committing costly double faults.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Eddie Hearn rages at Chris Eubank Jr after having Ricky Hatton tribute interrupted at press conference
- Jamie Carragher sparks controversy during Champions League coverage just days after facing calls to be sacked
- Jamie and Rebekah Vardy relationship update emerges after duo left UK for new life in Italy
Anne Keothavong had already expressed her disappointment that Emma Raducanu decided against joining the Billie Jean King Cup team
|REUTERS
Krejcikova seized her fourth set point to force a decider, where she dominated completely, breaking twice to seal victory.
"Definitely a difficult, difficult match. I was very down, I don't really know how I turned it around. Just happy to be through and happy to be tough in my head," Krejcikova said afterwards.