Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from her match at the Wuhan Open due to concerns over high blood pressure. The 20-year-old British tennis star played against Ann Li of the USA but retired after the second set, with scores at 6-1, 4-1 in favor of Li. This decision followed a medical time-out where Raducanu had her blood pressure monitored.
Challenging Conditions at the Wuhan Open
The match took place under sweltering conditions. The temperature soared to around 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) with humidity close to 70 percent. Raducanu had previously shared a weather update via social media, indicating it felt like 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Impact of Extreme Heat on Players
On the first day of the tournament, officials halted play due to extreme heat. Matches on outside courts were interrupted, and the roof on the main court was partially closed to provide relief. The WTA has an “extreme heat rule” allowing players to take a 10-minute break if the measured wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) surpasses 86.1 degrees.
- Raducanu’s Match: Retired after second set
- Conditions: 89.6°F (32°C) with 70% humidity
- Extreme Heat Rule: 10-minute heat break available
Effects on Other Players
The extreme conditions have affected numerous players at the Wuhan Open and the concurrent Shanghai Masters. For instance, World No. 2 Jannik Sinner retired due to severe cramps. Other players, including Taylor Fritz and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, also struggled with physical endurance. Novak Djokovic even vomited during his match, describing the conditions as “brutal.”
Looking Ahead: Future Competitions
Raducanu is scheduled to compete in the WTA 500 event in Ningbo, China, next week. However, she may opt to conclude her season early. Currently, she holds a ranking of No. 30, which would afford her a seed at the upcoming Australian Open in January.
