Emma Raducanu experienced a concerning moment when her vital signs were monitored during her match against Zhu Lin at the Ningbo Open.
The young British player was in the midst of the second set of her first match in the tournament when she requested a medical timeout. She had navigated the first set with relative ease, but the challenging conditions began to affect her as the match continued.
At the time, Raducanu was trailing in the second set, four games to three, when she approached the chair umpire to request the physio. She took a seat as her vital signs were assessed and underwent a brief examination. After a delay of several minutes, Raducanu resumed play and won the subsequent game on her serve, leveling the score at four games each.
Sky Sports commentator Nick Lester remarked: “Blood pressure is being monitored, one of the aspects for Emma Raducanu here. I believe she is simply receiving medication. One can only assume she has been cleared to continue playing.
“Temperatures have significantly dropped here overnight in the past 24 hours. Yesterday, we had the heat rule in effect, but today is different. Raducanu is evidently having difficulties.”
She required another medical timeout in the third set, receiving a massage for her lower back after she seemed to experience discomfort at the conclusion of a point.
This situation follows the former US Open champion’s acknowledgment that she needs to ‘push harder’ if she aims to conclude the season positively. Just a few days prior, she had to withdraw from her opening match at the Wuhan Open due to feelings of dizziness.
Ahead of the Ningbo Open, Raducanu expressed: “I believe it is a unique sensation. I feel quite at ease, and I perceive that I receive tremendous support here, which is truly wonderful. I appreciate the dedication of the Chinese fans and the extent of their encouragement.
“The distinction lies in the fact that it is the conclusion of the season, necessitating a greater physical effort; you feel it more acutely, both physically and mentally, requiring heightened concentration. That is likely the most significant difference.”
Following her health scare in Wuhan, Raducanu visited a doctor and subsequently provided a positive update to her followers on social media.
She stated: “Final day at the doctors in Wuhan. I am feeling better now. It is unfortunate that I could not continue there, but I appreciate the messages.”
Raducanu, who advanced to the third round at Wimbledon earlier this year, has secured two victories since the WTA Tour commenced its series of tournaments in Asia in late September.
She was eliminated from the Korea Open by Barbora Krejcikova in her second match after winning against Jaqueline Cristian in her initial encounter. At the China Open, Raducanu was defeated by Jessica Pegula after previously overcoming Cristina Bucsa two days prior.
