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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jonathan Spencer

Emma Raducanu's Australian Open dream is over after rollercoaster loss to Danka Kovinic

Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round after losing to world No 98 Danka Kovinic in three sets in what was a truly epic match.

Raducanu got off to the perfect start at Melbourne Park, grabbing the early 3-0 advantage in the opening set thanks to a double break.

However, the British teen sensation then dropped the next two games before a small injury made things worse, as she was forced to take a medical timeout due to a blister.

It certainly didn't help her as she was immediately broken again, and all of a sudden, the opening set was in the balance with momentum firmly in Kovinic's favour.

Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Australian Open (REUTERS)

And it remained that way as the Montenegrin world No 98 then stormed into a 5-3 lead with Raducanu in despair following her rapid start to the match.

But she managed to keep her composure to break back with the set looking like it was drifting away, smashing down a couple of winners.

However, the topsy-turvy first set continued and it was Kovinic who managed to bounce back this time, eventually taking the opening set 6-4.

It was clear Raducanu's blister injury was hindering her performance, and her trademark forehand shot had been deserting her.

However, Raducanu battled on heroically throughout the second set and somehow took advantage to grab a 4-3 lead, but Kovinic broke back at a vital time before holding her nerve on her serve.

But just like at the US Open, where she recorded arguably the greatest ever title triumph, her determination despite her injury was on display.

Raducanu remarkably battled to break straight back before holding out on serve and levelling the match - taking the second set 6-4.

Her performance was earning her huge plaudits from fans as she battled with her injury problems.

Danka Kovinic celebrates following her memorable victory over the US Open champion (REUTERS)

But as she continued to battle on, it wasn't enough and the third and final set appeared to be getting away from her early on.

She eventually went down 6-3 in the final set to crash out of the Australian Open.

There was a hugely decisive moment in the third set at 1-1, with Raducanu failing to take advantage of three break points before Kovinic capitalised on Raducanu's lack of ruthlessness.

It wasn't to be for Raducanu this time in Australia, but she will certainly take heart from encouraging performances at Melbourne Park heading into the other three Grand Slams of the year.

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