Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star and 2021 US Open champion, delivered a hard-fought victory in the first round of the 2025 Korea Open on September 17, but the win was overshadowed by an emotional breakdown on court. Raducanu, ranked world No. 34, defeated Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a rain-delayed match that lasted two hours and 15 minutes, advancing to the second round where she’ll face US Open quarterfinalist Barbora Krejcikova. However, the Brit visibly broke down in tears during changeovers, wiping her eyes and appearing overcome with emotion. The moment, captured on broadcast, has sparked speculation about the toll of her recent decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for Great Britain, prioritizing the WTA Tour instead.
The Match: A Gritty Comeback Amid Tears
Raducanu’s opener, rescheduled from September 16 due to heavy rain, was a tense affair on the outdoor hard courts of Olympic Park Tennis Center. Cristian, ranked No. 82 and on a three-match qualifying win streak, started strongly, breaking Raducanu early to take a 3-1 lead in the first set. Raducanu fought back, saving three set points at 4-5 before breaking to win 6-4. The second set went Cristian’s way 6-4 after she converted her fourth break point, forcing a decider.
In the third set, Raducanu’s redirection and athleticism shone, breaking at 2-1 and holding firm despite visible fatigue. She sealed the win with a forehand winner on match point, her 32nd victory of 2025. During changeovers, especially after the second set, Raducanu was seen dabbing her eyes with a towel, her shoulders shaking in what appeared to be tears. Commentators on Sky Sports noted, “Emma’s emotional—could be the pressure, the snub backlash, or just the fight.” Post-match, Raducanu declined to elaborate, simply saying, “I’m happy to get through. It was tough,” before heading to recovery.
The tears added to an already scrutinized week for Raducanu, who accepted a wildcard to Seoul to defend ranking points and build with coach Francisco Roig, skipping Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinal against Japan on September 18. Her decision drew backlash for “prioritizing fees over country,” but Petchey called it “the right call.”
The Snub: Backlash and Team GB’s Response
Raducanu’s withdrawal from the BJK Cup Finals—her second in 2025 after April qualifiers—left Team GB reeling. Captain Anne Keothavong said, “Of course we are disappointed,” with replacement Harriet Dart calling it a “huge blow” but vowing unity. The LTA expressed frustration over late notice, and fans labeled her “selfish.” Raducanu broke silence on Instagram from Barcelona: “Everything happens for a reason.” Her Korea Open choice, with 280 points for the winner, aims for a top-32 Australian Open seed.
The emotional win in Seoul, against a resilient Cristian, showed Raducanu’s resilience but the tears suggested the snub’s weight. “She’s carrying the criticism,” one X user posted (@TheTennisLetter). As she faces Krejcikova (with Iga Swiatek in her quarter), Raducanu’s tears highlight the personal cost of her priorities.
Raducanu’s 2025 and Road Ahead
Raducanu’s season: Washington semifinal, three major third rounds, 32 wins. The tears could stem from pressure, but her 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win proves grit. Next: China Open (September 24-30). Petchey urged top-30 ranking, consistency, serve improvement. As backlash lingers, Raducanu’s emotional victory reaffirms her talent—tears and all.
