Rajasthan Royals’ campaign hit a roadblock as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, losing to Punjab Kings by six wickets in Guwahati. The loss exposed their struggles against spin bowling, a weakness that had plagued them in previous matches.
Emma Raducanu’s disappointing performance at the Madrid Open has drawn criticism from pundits and fans alike. After entering the match as a heavy favorite, Raducanu suffered an embarrassing defeat to qualifier Maria Lourdes Carle in the first round. Despite previous concerns over fatigue, Raducanu was expected to overcome her Argentine opponent on the red dirt. However, she made 19 unforced errors in the first set and struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match. Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, Anne Keothavong, expressed her disappointment with Raducanu’s lack of fight and poor shot selection. Social media users also joined in the criticism, highlighting Raducanu’s weak defensive backhand and erratic groundstrokes. The defeat raises questions about Raducanu’s current form and mental state as she prepares for the upcoming French Open.
