Emma Raducanu again struggled physically in a first-round exit at the Ningbo Open.
The British number one was back on court a week after retiring from her opening match in Wuhan with dizziness in hot and humid conditions.
She posted a picture on social media from a doctor’s office and said she felt better, but she faded after winning the opening set against China’s Zhu Lin and slumped to a 3-6 6-4 6-1 defeat.
Defeat for Emma Raducanu in Ningbo as Lin Zhu fights back 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
Initially, there did not appear to be any concerns, with temperatures lower than last week, but Raducanu began to look lethargic early in the second set and called the doctor after seven games.
Things got worse in the decider, the 2021 US Open champion seeking medical attention again – this time for her troublesome lower back – and limping to the finish line.
Author summary: Emma Raducanu exits Ningbo Open due physical struggles.