Emma Raducanu was in tears during her Dubai Tennis Championships match with Karolina Muchova after being broken in the first set, before going down 7-6(6), 6-4 to the Czech star.

After rain in Dubai delayed the start of the second-round clash, Muchova came flying out of the blocks into a 2-0 lead, which was followed by Raducanu going over to speak with the umpire.

The Brit appeared to be in some discomfort as she emotionally spoke with the official with tears in her eyes. Muchova came over to the side of the court to ask if Raducanu was OK.

Raducanu had put some early pressure on the Muchova serve, but threw away the final two points of the opener, before being broken by the world No. 17 in a long rally and then crying while still on court.

The 22-year-old had called the trainer to receive treatment on a suspected injury, before returning to court and carrying on the match.

Sky Sports coverage noted that Raducanu was breathing very heavily, sparking concerns that she was suffering from anxiety reminiscent of her Wimbledon debut.

Raducanu positioned herself behind the umpire’s chair and there were no microphones to pick up what was said, though Muchova sensed that her opponent was struggling and consoled her as the Briton dabbed her eyes with a towel.

Back to the action, smart play from Muchova on her serve turned around a 30-15 deficit, breaking Raducanu a second time to lead 4-0 after two unforced errors and a disappointing backhand effort.

The British No. 2 took on some water as she slumped in her chair, before winning the next two games, but needed to win on her serve to stay in the set after Muchova claimed the seventh – which she did successfully.

A strong rally saw Raducanu claim three out of four games, then she hit a sublime backhand to break Muchova, before saving set point and sending it to a tie-break.

But Muchova handed Raducanu her first tie-break defeat since April, having won the previous six in a row.

Raducanu similarly battled bravely in the second set, but went down 6-4. She can, however, take plenty from her valiant performance.

Raducanu ended her four-match losing run at the United Arab Emirates, defeating Maria Sakkari in the first round, and was over the moon with the victory.

Muchova next takes on McCartney Kessler in the third round after the American’s upset over compatriot Coco Gauff.