Emma Raducanu Retires From Wuhan Open After Gruelling Defeat Against Ann Li
Emma Raducanu’s Wuhan Open crusade ended suddenly on a sweltering day in China. The British No. 1 was forced to retire from her opening match against American Ann Li, running 6- 1, 4- 1.
Raducanu started brightly, breaking Li in the very first game. But the spark was short-lived. Li snappily stormed back, taking six successive games and dominating the first set in just 28 twinkles. Raducanu plodded to find her meter, hitting only three winners compared to Li’s 13.
Temperatures soared to 35 degrees Celsius with moisture over 60 per cent, leaving Raducanu visibly fatigued.
The 20-year-old called the croaker onto the court during the alternate set, having her vitals checked before eventually deciding to retire.
The match had a tense morning. Raducanu endured a six-nanosecond opening game and survived a challenging 10-nanosecond service hold in the alternate set, despite four double faults.
The former US Open champion briefly looked for a comeback, targeting a couple of break points as Li’s first-serve percentage dropped slightly, but the American shut down any chances with precise winners.
Emma Raducanu is back on top 30 and seeding for the AusOpen is almost secured.
Curious to see if this is the end of her season. pic.twitter.com/IW1zXPEIj9
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 7, 2025
“I feel like she’s just going for broke and she does not want any long rallies here,” commented Annabel Croft on Sky Sports, reflecting on Li’s aggressive strategy.
Raducanu’s struggles were evident. She was visibly drained during a change of ends, and her errors piled up, allowing Li to extend the lead to 4-1.
With her health in question, Raducanu called for the physio and a doctor. Blood pressure and temperature checks were conducted courtside.
“I do feel maybe she should have called for attention earlier in the match when it was clear that she wasn’t feeling herself,” Jonathan Overend said during Sky Sports commentary.
“I suppose you’re proud out there, you don’t want to give anything away to your opponent, you don’t want to let anyone know that you’re not feeling great, but the bottom line is health has to be the utmost priority.”
After consulting with the croaker, Raducanu shook her head and officially retired from the match. She walked to the net to shake hands with Li, ending her Wuhan Open crusade prematurely.
The British tennis star now faces a period of recovery as she looks ahead to the coming event, hoping to recapture her top form after a grueling season.
