Raducanu, Gauff dumped in Dubai, Sabalenka advances

Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu exited the WTA Dubai tournament after a day of rain interruptions as officials played catch-up with the schedule on Tuesday.

Third seed Gauff, a former semi-finalist, fell 6-4, 7-5 to American compatriot  McCartney Kessler, who stunned weekend Doha champion Amanda Anisimmova in the first round here.

Gauff became the second upset victim of the week for the No. 53, who advanced in 91 minutes in the late-night match at the Aviation Club.

Gauff has now lost  both of her matches during this month’s WTA mini-tour of the Gulf region.

Raducanu was beaten 7-6 (6), 6-4 by Czech Karolina Muchova. The Briton lost an opening set lasting an hour and a quarter, was broken to start the second and could never catch up..

Meanwhile top seed Sabalenka began making amends for last week’s opening match exit in Doha with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Veronika Kudermetova.

 Like the rest of the field, the world No. 1 spent most of the day waiting out a rare wet day in the emirate.

“I was in the hotel waiting for the right time to go on-site. Actually I didn’t know if I will play today or they’ll schedule my match for tomorrow,” she said.

“I’m really glad that I was able to play today, to win this match. 

“Tomorrow I don’t have to be worried about playing twice. I’m happy to be through this tough match against Veronika.”

Main photo:-Karolina Muchova beating Emma Raducanu today by WTATennis.com