Emma Raducanu was compelled to withdraw from her Wuhan match against Ann Li due to health reasons following a check-up by the WTA physio and tournament doctor. Despite initially breaking Li in the opening game, Raducanu struggled during the match and eventually had to retire while trailing 6-1, 4-1. Ann Li, her opponent, expressed well wishes for Raducanu’s speedy recovery and acknowledged the challenging circumstances of the match.
The intense weather conditions, with 60% humidity and temperatures around 35 degrees, added to the difficulty of the game. Commentators noted that Raducanu appeared unwell throughout the match, prompting discussions on the need for earlier intervention. This withdrawal marks Raducanu as the latest player facing challenges in recent tournaments, echoing concerns raised by other players like Iga Swiatek about the demanding schedule in tennis.
Looking ahead, Raducanu expressed her determination to improve her performance and aim for a seeded position at the Australian Open. Despite recent disappointments in other tournaments, she remains focused on her goal and is determined to bounce back stronger in future competitions.