Emma Raducanu Retires from Wuhan Open First Round While Trailing Ann Li 6-1, 4-1
Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her first-round match at the 2025 Wuhan Open on October 7, citing illness as she was being overwhelmed by American Ann Li, trailing 6-1, 4-1 in the second set. The British No. 1, ranked No. 30, appeared physically compromised in the sweltering 35°C heat and 60%+ humidity at the Optics Valley International Tennis Centre, requiring a medical timeout for blood pressure and vitals checks before withdrawing after 55 minutes. This marks a disappointing end to Raducanu’s Wuhan debut, compounding recent mental and competitive struggles after squandering match points in Seoul and Beijing.
Match Breakdown: Li’s Dominance and Raducanu’s Struggle
Raducanu, unseeded in the WTA 1000 event, faced Li (No. 46), whom she previously defeated 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 at Eastbourne in June. However, Li controlled the match from the outset, firing four aces and capitalizing on Raducanu’s errors, including four double faults by the second set. Raducanu briefly broke Li in the second set but quickly lost momentum, appearing dazed and physically drained. After bending over and signaling distress, she called for medical attention, and following a brief evaluation, shook hands with Li to retire, sending the American into the second round against Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Li expressed sympathy post-match: “It’s never good to see an opponent retire. I hope Emma feels better soon.”
Context: Raducanu’s Challenging Season End
Raducanu’s retirement adds to a turbulent close to her 2025 season, which saw 28 wins and a career-high No. 30 ranking but also persistent struggles against top-10 players (0-9 on hard courts since March). Her recent losses in the Korea Open final (two match points squandered vs. Barbora Krejcikova) and China Open third round (three vs. Jessica Pegula) highlighted mental fragility under pressure, which she described as “something that’s never happened” before. The Wuhan conditions, mirroring heat issues faced by ATP players in Shanghai, likely exacerbated her physical state, with commentators noting her visible discomfort early in the match.
Under coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu has worked on serve consistency and fitness, but this retirement—her first since 2023—raises concerns about her readiness for the WTA Finals in Riyadh (November 2-9).
Reactions: Fan Concern and Analyst Insight
Social media erupted with concern, with fans posting under #RaducanuRetires: “Emma looked so off—hope she’s okay!” Analyst Annabel Croft, on Sky Sports, attributed the withdrawal to Wuhan’s extreme heat: “She was struggling from the start; the conditions were brutal.” Posts on X also noted Raducanu’s attendance at the Wuhan players’ party with her mother Renee Zhai, suggesting the illness may have developed suddenly.
Raducanu’s team has yet to confirm her next steps, but with the WTA Finals looming, recovery is critical for the 2021 US Open champion to salvage her season.
