Under suffocating pressure to hold on to her serve at all costs against one of the best players in the world, it came as no surprise when Emma Raducanu faltered. Although she had fought hard and rallied after conceding a convincing first set against an imperious Zheng Qinwen, in truth she was never in control.
Up 4-3 in the second set but down break point, Raducanu double faulted. A few minutes later, the match was over. The tension felt by the British No 1 in those decisive moments was a reflection of the constant pressure imposed on all contenders by the best players in the world, a challenge that she continues to struggle with.
