Emma Raducanu’s hopes of facing her idol Simona Halep in the Transylvania Open were ended by Marta Kostyuk in the quarter-finals.
The 18-year-old US Open champion was comprehensively beaten 6-2 6-1 by her teenage Ukrainian opponent.
Before the match Raducanu described how Kostyuk would “destroy” her when they played at junior level.
And after her 57-minute defeat Raducanu said: “I was quite tired and lethargic but all credit to Marta.” .
The Briton, who was seeded third - three places higher than her 19-year-old opponent, added: “I wasn’t physically feeling 100%. I knew from practice that I was tired, couldn’t get it going.
“It’s disappointing that you have these days, it’s not a nice feeling to have. I just need to move on from it and brush it off and then I’ll be back in another tournament soon.”
Kostyuk will face Halep in the last four after the Romanian thrashed compatriot Jaqueline Cristian 6-1 6-1.(BBC Sport)