Emma Raducanu collapses in chair and retires from Wuhan Open amid scorching heat

Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her first-round match at the Wuhan Open against Ann Li after appearing gravely ill in 32-degree Celsius heat, with a medic checking her blood pressure on court as she slumped exhausted in her chair. The British No. 1, who lost the opening set 6-1 and trailed 4-1 in the second, called for a medical timeout but ultimately shook hands with Li and the umpire before withdrawing in disappointing scenes. The tournament, Raducanu’s likely final stop on the Asian swing, has been plagued by extreme conditions since day one, when outdoor courts were suspended due to the brutal humidity conditions she had already flagged on social media, noting that 34 degrees felt like 37. Fellow player Dayana Yastremska had retired just hours into the event on Monday, highlighting the toll on competitors. Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend remarked during the timeout: “I do feel maybe she should have called for attention earlier… but the bottom line is health has to be the utmost priority.

“The heatwave has rippled across China’s tennis circuit, with men’s Masters 1000 in Shanghai seeing Novak Djokovic openly decry the “brutal conditions” after vomiting multiple times during his match against Yannick Hanfmann. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner had retired the previous day, crippled by cramps and barely able to walk to his chair. Raducanu’s exit marks a frustrating end to an underwhelming Asian swing for the 22-year-old former US Open champion, who was eager to boost her ranking ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. She had skipped Billie Jean King Cup duties to prioritize tour points and her new coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, but fell in the second round to Barbora Krejcikova in Korea (failing to convert three match points) and suffered a similar fate against Jessica Pegula in Beijing. As a fluent Mandarin speaker with a Chinese mother, Renee, traveling with her, Raducanu had hoped to shine in front of adoring local fans, but the conditions derailed those ambitions.

Now, Emma Raducanu faces a pivotal decision: continue to the upcoming WTA 500 in Ningbo or end her 2025 season early to recharge, following the lead of players like Daria Kasatkina and Elina Svitolina, who recently prioritized mental health and recovery. Kasatkina shared a poignant message emphasizing listening to her body, while Svitolina wrapped up in late September. Regardless, the Briton is committed to December exhibitions against long-time friend Amanda Anisimova in New Jersey and Miami. Raducanu has yet to comment publicly on her retirement, but the episode underscores the physical demands of the tour amid escalating climate challenges in Asia.

FAQs on Raducanu China Open retirement

Why did Emma Raducanu retire from the Wuhan Open?

Emma Raducanu retired at 6-1, 4-1 down against Ann Li after a medical timeout where her blood pressure was checked; she appeared ill and exhausted in 32-degree heat and high humidity.

How has the extreme heat affected other players in China?

The Wuhan Open suspended outdoor play on day one; Dayana Yastremska retired early, Novak Djokovic vomited during his Shanghai match, and Jannik Sinner retired due to severe cramps.

What are Raducanu’s next plans after Wuhan?

She must decide whether to play the WTA 500 in Ningbo or end her 2025 season early for rest; she is scheduled for December exhibitions against Amanda Anisimova in the US.