Emma Raducanu’s participation at the Wuhan Open was cut short in the first round as she faced Ann Li. The former US Open champion struggled with her performance and ultimately withdrew due to physical issues.
Match Overview
In an intense first set, Raducanu managed to break serve early on. However, Li quickly regained control, winning six consecutive games and sealing the opening set with dominance in just 28 minutes. During this time, she dropped only one point on her serve, showcasing her strong form.
Struggles in the Second Set
As the second set began, Raducanu appeared fatigued. Despite overcoming three double faults to hold her serve initially, she was unable to capitalize on two vital break points shortly thereafter. A series of unforced errors allowed Li to take a 2-1 lead.
Following another double fault, Raducanu opted for a medical timeout, indicating she was struggling physically. Ultimately, she decided to retire from the match. This was a disappointing outcome, especially considering that a deep run in the tournament could have improved her seeding for the upcoming Australian Open.
Player Reactions
After the match, Ann Li expressed her concern for Raducanu. “I hope she feels better. I don’t know what happened, but you could tell towards the end she was maybe not moving as much,” Li remarked. Nevertheless, she was pleased with her own performance.
Next Steps for Li
Li, currently ranked number 46 in the world, is set to face Ekaterina Alexandrova, the ninth seed from Russia, in the second round. Alexandrova progressed after defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
Other Notable Matches
In other news from the tournament, Naomi Osaka triumphed over Leylah Fernandez from Canada, winning with a final score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. This victory allowed Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, to reach the second round.
