Raducanu beaten in French Open first round

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountHomeNewsSportBusinessTechnologyHealthCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportBusinessTechnologyHealthCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveClose menu BBC SportMenuHomeFootballCricketFormula 1Rugby UTennisGolfCyclingAthleticsMoreA-Z SportsAmerican FootballAthleticsBasketballBoxingCricketCyclingDartsDisability SportFootballFormula 1Gaelic GamesGolfGymnasticsHorse RacingMixed Martial ArtsMotorsportNetballOlympic SportsRugby LeagueRugby UnionSnookerSwimmingTennisFull Sports A-ZMore from SportEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandNews FeedsHelp & FAQsTennisScores & ScheduleCalendarRaducanu beaten in French Open first roundImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Raducanu had played just one match on clay this season before the French Open Emma Raducanu's French Open campaign came to an early end as she suffered a frustrating first-round defeat by Argentina's Solana Sierra. After failing to win a single game in a dismal first set that only lasted 25 minutes, the British number one fought back from a double-break down in the second to force a tie-break. However, she could not see through the turnaround as world number 68 Sierra regrouped to win 6-0 7-6 (7-4). Raducanu's 2026 season has been disrupted by a post-viral illness that kept her off the WTA Tour for more than two months following Indian Wells in March. Her build-up to the French Open had been far from ideal, with a first-round defeat at the Strasbourg Open earlier this week her only match on clay. And Raducanu's unfamiliarity with the red dirt was evident from the offset as Sierra, who grew up playing on clay, broke serve in the opening game. Things went downhill from there for the Briton, who hit 15 unforced errors to zero winners as Sierra broke twice more on her way to a first-set 'bagel'. A downcast Raducanu took time off court before returning for the second set, and while she managed to get a game on the board early on, it remained plain sailing for Sierra, who put away a series of booming forehand winners to storm to a 4-1 lead. A break back gave Raducanu a glimmer of hope and belief started to creep in when she levelled the set at 5-5 with Sierra serving for the match. Sierra broke back immediately but once again failed to serve out the win as a resurgent Raducanu forced a tie-break. However, after clawing her way back to 5-4 from 5-1 down in the tie-break, Raducanu's resistance let up and Sierra secured victory after an hour and 45 minutes. Raducanu has been blighted by illness and injuries in recent years and has only gone beyond the third round of a major once since her US Open win in 2021. Her focus will now turn to the British grass-court season as she continues to work with coach Andrew Richardson, who helped guide her to the Flushing Meadows title as a teenage qualifier in 2021 and was re-hired by Raducanu earlier this month. Sierra will face Italian 13th seed Jasmine Paolini or Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in the second round. Top storiesLive. Premier League: Arsenal lift trophy, West Ham down as Spurs stay up, Sunderland in Europe The story of how England's 'Golden Generation' unravelled Berlusconi's rise from AC Milan owner to Italy's most powerful figure Big moments, bold opinions: The beautiful game with Wayne Rooney Champions League secured - what's next for Slot and Liverpool? An architect who redefined football - why Guardiola stands apart Does O'Neill want to stay? And can Celtic afford to let him go? 'Unselfish' over 'ego' - what do leaks say about Tuchel's England? Balogun's journey to England debut after cancer diagnosis Arteta told of title win by crying son - while having barbecue Ultimate image for Saudi Arabia's football poster boy: Ronaldo wins title Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

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Original Source: BBC Sport