Emma Reducanu played evenly with Elina Svitolina for two sets (both ended in a tie-break), but morally succumbed in the decider (defeat with the score 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-1). Ranked 301st in the world, the Briton left WTA Auckland eighth.

Emma Reducanu lost to Elina Svitolina after a tough fight

Reducanu (21, world No. 301) and Svitolina (29, WTA No. 25) offered an exciting matchup with plenty of impressive shots, turns, drama and two tiebreaks.

The British won the first set on a tie-break (7-5), and the player from Ukraine responded in the second also on a tie-break (7-3).

However, Emma could no longer maintain her level in the deciding match, in which she seemed to fall mainly mentally.

Experienced player Svitolina was able to manage the pressure better in the deciding set, and the score is beyond doubt: 6-1.

The game lasted two hours and 52 minutes.

The results were recorded on Thursday at the WTA in Auckland

Petra Martic (7) – Yue Yuan 6-2, 6-0

Coco Gauff (1) – Brenda Frukhvirtova 6-3, 6-0

Varvara Grachova (8) – Lulu Sun 6-3, 6-4

Elina Svitolina (2) – Emma Raducanu 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-1