Donna Vekić’s struggles show little sign of easing, and her recent campaign at the Mérida Open only underscored that. The 29-year-old suffered a straight-sets defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucșa and was visibly emotional during the match, at one point breaking down in tears as the contest slipped away.
Emotions Took Over Donna Vekić During First-Round Loss to Cristina Bucșa at the Mérida Open
Spain’s Bucșa produced a dominant display in the opening round of the Mérida Open, overpowering Vekić 6-3, 6-2 in just 79 minutes. The world No. 63 controlled the tempo throughout, sealing a much-needed victory after a challenging start to the season.
It is worth noting that the Spaniard had endured early exits during the Middle East swing, falling in the first round in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. Merida helped her, for sure, marking a much-needed rebound for the Spaniard after early-February losses to Ella Seidel, Dayana Yastremska, and Sonay Kartal. The victory steadies Bucșa’s form after her January clash with Aryna Sabalenka.
For Vekić, the turbulence of 2026 continues. After opening the season with a first-round loss to Alexandra Eala in Auckland and another early exit at the Australian Open against Mirra Andreeva, consistency has remained elusive.
Now, this defeat deepens concerns. Despite a strong run to a final on January 31 — where she fell to Camila Osorio — she has struggled to maintain momentum, including a recent loss to Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Historically, Bucșa has had her number, repeating prior wins from September 2025 (6-2, 6-4 on hard court) and a dominant grass-court victory in July.
She has now taken six consecutive sets from Vekić across three tournaments, signaling a trend in the matchup that is becoming increasingly decisive.
The mounting pressure, compounded by her opponent’s dominance, appeared to weigh heavily on Vekić, who was seen in tears on the bench during the set break. Indeed, a heartbreaking sight for supporters hoping to see her turn her season around.
Poor Donna 😔 pic.twitter.com/VLH3spSe1t
— Owen (@kostekcanu) February 24, 2026
Another post on X captured a similarly somber side of Vekić during her opening-round clash.
Donna 💔
Przykro się patrzy, gdy tenisistka o takim potencjale jaki ma Vekic, męczy się na korcie… 🫤
Dziś lepsza okazała się Cristina Bucsa, wygrywając 6:3, 6:2. Hiszpanka powalczy o ćwierćfinał WTA 500 w Meridzie z Mariną Stakusic.
📸 CANAL+ | #MeridaOpen | #zkortu https://t.co/osEc8CwKrf pic.twitter.com/V1YN5ExW58
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe (@z_kortu) February 24, 2026
Currently ranked No. 100 with a 4–5 record in 2026, Donna Vekić still has plenty of the season ahead and will be aiming to regroup and stage a strong comeback in the months to come.
Riding high after her statement win, Bucșa now prepares for a first-ever tour meeting with Marina Stakusic, aiming to keep her resurgence on track.
