Emma Raducanu retired from her first round match at the Wuhan Open against Ann Li, stepping away while trailing 6 to 1 and 4 to 1 after a medical timeout in sweltering conditions. The British number one appeared light headed during the second set, had her blood pressure and temperature checked, then ended the contest.
Key moments that shaped the match
Raducanu broke in the opening game, then lost six straight as Li’s clean ball striking took control. Early in the second set the Briton double faulted four times and looked uncomfortable, yet held once before Li swept four games in a row. Li said afterward, I want to wish Emma a fast recovery, I am happy with my level and will face Ekaterina Alexandrova next.
What this means for her schedule and seeding push
The retirement arrives during a stretch of withdrawals across the Asia swing. Iga Swiatek recently called the calendar overwhelming, a sentiment that echoes the physical toll many players are feeling.
Raducanu has been chasing a top 32 year end ranking to secure seeding for the Australian Open in January. Her participation in the remaining China events this month is now uncertain.
Elsewhere in Wuhan, Naomi Osaka beat Leylah Fernandez 4 to 6, 7 to 5, 6 to 3. Amanda Anisimova withdrew with a calf issue after her China Open title run.
