(CNN)Emma Raducanu suffered a surprise loss in the second round of the Australian Open, being beaten 6-4 4-6 6-3 by world No. 98 Danka Kovinic.
The 19-year-old Briton appeared to have struggled with a blister on her hand throughout the match and had to be treated by the court doctor on several occasions.
With the blister affecting her dominant right hand, Raducanu struggled to hit her forehand with her usual power and consistency, and unseeded Kovinic took full advantage to win the opening set.
It was an impressive start for the Montenegrin, who had never progressed past the second round of a Grand Slam in 17 singles and doubles main draw appearances.
However, Raducanu was able to receive further treatment to her right hand during the break and came out in the second set looking more like the player who stunned the tennis world by winning the US Open in September.
She regained control with her powerful groundstrokes and leveled the match after another hard fought set.
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The opening game of the deciding set felt like a pivotal moment in the match as Raducanu agonizingly missed a cross-court forehand that would have given her a crucial early break.
However, the 27-year-old Kovinic showed remarkable poise to eventually hold the serve with an inch-precise smash.
Blisterd and bandaged – and often still with a grin on her face – Raducanu continued to fight her way through the deciding set, her forehand barely available to her, but in the end that determination wasn’t enough to defeat Kovinic, who becomes the first player , representing Montenegro, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam.
“I really enjoyed it out there,” Kovinic said in her interview in court. “It was a nice experience playing against Emma and making it to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in many years.”
“She [Raducanu] had an amazing result winning a Grand Slam at such a young age. Such talent and it was a really nice experience. I’m glad I showed that I can play at a high level.”
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