Raducanu is also trialling a new coach, the Slovakian Vladimir Platenik, who she briefly worked with as a teenager. He has a sterling reputation, having helped Daria Kasatkina and Dominika Cibulkova into the top 25 in the world rankings.
Still, Raducanu won their only meeting, three years ago, and she played some credible tennis in Dubai, beating Maria Sakkari and losing a close two-setter to Karolina Muchova. Raducanu likes a stage; if she wins this match, she’ll get a big one against Coco Gauff. Winner: Raducanu — Steve Tignor