When Emma Raducanu retired during her first-round match at the Wuhan Open against Ann Li, the scene was alarming. The 22-year-old Briton, clearly battling more than her opponent, requested medical attention midmatch.
The former US Open champion, after being checked on court, eventually walked off the stadium in visible distress.
In the days since, Raducanu has broken her silence, sharing a brief but telling message with fans about her condition and recovery.
Raducanu’s difficulty in Wuhan began early. She posted a screenshot on social media of her practice session, indicating she was struggling under humid conditions-34°C that “feels like 37°C.”
The oppressive heat and moisture left many players fighting just to stand, let alone compete. Against Li, Raducanu looked increasingly fatigued. After dropping the first set decisively, she called a medical timeout while trailing 4-1 in the second.
On court, her blood pressure was checked, and in distressing fashion she slumped in her chair, a stark reminder of how severe the conditions had become. Moments later, she shook hands with Li and the umpire, ending the match.
This was not just a tough loss-it was a health alert. Temperatures and humidity at the Wuhan Open forced suspensions of play on outdoor courts, and Raducanu’s withdrawal added her to the growing list of players impacted by extreme conditions in Asia this fall.
A measured comeback in message
Days after the incident, Raducanu updated followers via Threads: “Last day at the doctor’s in Wuhan … feeling better now. Shame I couldn’t continue there but thank you for the messages.”
She accompanied the statement with a photograph-sitting in what appeared to be a doctor’s office, wrapped in a hoodie and wearing sunglasses.
The message was brief, but meaningful. Raducanu acknowledged her inability to fight through the match, yet reassured fans she is on the mend. The tone was one of humility and gratitude, a recognition that sometimes physical limits demand respect.
Still, the withdrawal further stains what has already been a challenging Asian swing for Raducanu.
Earlier, she chose to compete in the Korea Open rather than joining Team Britain for the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen-a decision that took many by surprise, including captain Anne Keothavong.
She did so to defend ranking points and continue building synergy with her new coach, Francisco Roig. But her stay in Wuhan ended abruptly.
When will Emma Raducanu play next?
Now questions swirl around her upcoming schedule. Her next entries include the Ningbo Open, where her participation has been thrown into doubt, and possibly the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. With this health scare fresh, the path forward must now balance ambition against recovery.
In the broader tennis world, Raducanu’s match retirement is not isolated. Players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have also visibly struggled in recent tournaments under brutal heat and humidity.
Calls are rising for stronger heat policies, better scheduling, and more proactive protections for athletes.
For Raducanu, the return to competitive shape will be cautious. Her declaration that she is feeling better is hopeful-but also a reminder that elite sport isn’t just about toughness, but wisdom.
How she rebuilds from here may define more of her season than any match she could play.
Read the full article here
