Raducanu Falls in Ningbo: Physical Problems Persist, Back Concerns

Emma Raducanu faces physical challenges again, marking her exit in the first round of the Ningbo Open this Tuesday. The British tennis player, number one in her country, was returning to the court a week after retiring in Wuhan due to dizziness, this in conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Raducanu shared an image on social media from the doctor’s office, indicating an improvement. However, her performance declined after winning the first set against China’s Zhu Lin, ultimately losing with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Although there didn’t seem to be any concerns initially, with temperatures lower than the previous week, Raducanu showed signs of exhaustion at the beginning of the second set, requesting medical assistance after seven games. The situation worsened in the decisive set, where the 2021 US Open champion required medical attention again, this time for problems in the lumbar area, and visibly with difficulties completing the match.

Raducanu did not have the presence of her coach, Francisco Roig, who was in Barcelona. Instead, she was accompanied by her training partner Alexis Canter and the fitness trainer Daniel Pohl. Canter offered constant support as Raducanu struggled to maintain the advantage in the first set, despite showing frustration and losing serve on two occasions. The concern intensified in the second set when the 22-year-old player quickly found herself at a 2-0 disadvantage, showing slowness in her movements and being outplayed by Zhu. Raducanu managed to stay in the set, tying 2-2 and then 4-4 after consulting the doctor, where they took her blood pressure, but she missed a forehand on the set point in the tenth game. After a break in the locker room, the situation did not improve. Raducanu’s back problem, which has been recurrent during the season, intensified. In the final set, he repeatedly doubled over and requested medical assistance after three games. Although Raducanu chose not to retire, her mobility was limited and the match concluded quickly.