Emma Raducanu suffered another setback as she exited in the first round of the Ningbo Open, losing to China’s Zhu Lin and raising fresh doubts over the remainder of her season.
The British No. 1 returned to action just a week after retiring from her opening match in Wuhan due to dizziness brought on by hot and humid conditions. Although she later posted a photo from a doctor’s office saying she was feeling better, those physical struggles resurfaced on court.
Raducanu made a strong start and took the opening set 6-3, but her performance dipped as Zhu rallied to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Conditions in Ningbo were cooler than in Wuhan, and there were initially no visible concerns. However, Raducanu began to look sluggish early in the second set and called for the doctor after seven games.
Her problems deepened in the deciding set. The 2021 US Open champion again sought medical attention, this time for a recurring lower back issue, and appeared to be limping toward the end of the match.
Notably, Raducanu was without her coach Francisco Roig, who stayed in Barcelona for a week off. Instead, hitting partner Alexis Canter and physical trainer Daniel Pohl were present courtside.
—The Guardian
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