Emma Raducanu knocked out of Australian Open in second round as Brit struggles to overcome blister despite valiant effort in defeat to Danka Kovinic

Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round following a three-set defeat to Danka Kovinic.

The British teenager, who sensationally won the US Open last year, struggled with a finger blister as her first grand slam appearance since that monumental triumph ended with an early exit.

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Montenegrin Kovinic, ranked 98th in the world, took advantage of Raducanu's injury and attacked her weakened forehand to seal a 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory in Melbourne.

Raducanu tried to fight through the pain barrier after being forced to take a medical timeout early in the match.

After losing the first set, the 19-year-old briefly overcame the blister and won the second, but ultimately succumbed to her injury in the third.

Some have suggested a lack of time on court, caused by recently contracting COVID and pulling out of a pre-tournament event, perhaps contributed to Raducanu's problem.

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And despite the disappointment, many will be encouraged by Raducanu's competitive spirit, salvaging hope when the match appeared like a lost cause.

It is the first time the Brit has been defeated in a completed match at a grand slam, with her only other loss coming when she retired hurt at last year's Wimbledon.

After winning every single set at the US Open last September, fans are reminded these are still early days in the tennis prodigy's career.

The defeat caps off a terrible day for the Brits after Andy Murray and Heather Watson were also eliminated, while Dan Evans got a free pass through to the third round as his opponent pulled out.