Roland Garros news: Emma Raducanu knocked out of French Open as Sasnovich stuns Brit in second round
- Seb Sternik
- 25 May 2022
Emma Raducanu’s hopes of a long French Open run were emphatically ended as Aliaksandra Sasnovich came back from a set down to seal a stunning win.
The British number one looked in great shape in the opening set as she stormed to an early 6-3 lead on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Despite her fast start, Raducanu looked to have run out of steam as Sasnovich fought back to win the next two sets 6-1 6-1.
Both players share history, with the Belarusian world number 47 handing Raducanu her first defeat after the 2021 US Open triumph.
On that occasion, Sasnovich won 6-2 6-4 in the second round of Indian Wells - a result the 19-year-old Brit was hoping to avenge at Roland Garros.
Raducanu came out pumped up for the clash and broke her opponent in the fifth game of the first set. The teenager then produced two deadly backhands and a fearsome forehand winner to finish the job.
However, as she came out for the second set, the Brit endured a stuttering start, producing a couple of double faults which handed Sasnovich the initiative.
It's French Open heartbreak for Emma Raducanu 💔
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 25, 2022
The US Open champion is knocked out by Aliaksandra Sasnovich#RolandGarros | #RG22 pic.twitter.com/K9ZYF9D2Aj
If that wasn't enough, Raducanu's winners appeared to dry up as the 28-year-old from Minsk levelled the match.
After a close start to the third set - with the score locked at 1-1 - Raducanu had five break points to take the lead. Unfortunately for the US Open champion, Sasnovich saved them all in what proved to be a pivotal third game.
From that point on there was no stopping the Belarusian who was in complete control and powered to victory with ease.
In her on-court interview, Sasnovich said: "It was a very tough match. After the first set, I didn't even think I can win so I just played point by point.
"I tried to play more aggressive and mentally I was ready to play point by point.
She added: "I had Covid a few months ago, so I didn't prepare well for the clay season. But of course, it's changed because much more people come to watch us. You feel more atmosphere."
