Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Wuhan Open Match Due to High Blood Pressure in Sweltering Conditions
Headline: Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Wuhan Open Match Due to Intense Heat and Humidity
Emma Raducanu faced challenging conditions at the Wuhan Open as she retired from her first-round match against American player Ann Li. With temperatures soaring to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) and humidity levels close to 70%, Raducanu struggled throughout the match before retiring during the second set.
Extreme Weather Impacts Wuhan Open Matches
The oppressive heat and humidity were problematic for players throughout the tournament. On the day prior to Raducanu’s match, tournament organizers paused matches on outside courts and closed the roof on the main show court due to the extreme weather conditions.
During Raducanu’s match against Li, the roof was partially closed to offer some relief. The tournament safety measures align with the global “extreme heat rule,” which allows players to take a 10-minute break should the wet-bulb globe temperature exceed 86.1 degrees.
Raducanu’s Health Concerns
Raducanu, ranked No. 30, had her blood pressure checked during a medical timeout before deciding to retire at 6-1, 4-1 down in her match. Although the exact reasons for her feeling unwell were not immediately disclosed, the extreme conditions were a significant factor. A representative for Raducanu has yet to comment on the situation.
Other Players Affected by the Heat
The heat has not only been an issue at the Wuhan Open but also at the Shanghai Masters, occurring concurrently. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner retired due to severe cramps, while other top players, including Taylor Fritz and Novak Djokovic, visibly struggled with the conditions.
Novak Djokovic even vomited during his match due to the “brutal” conditions and described the environment as extremely challenging.
Future Plans for Raducanu
Emma Raducanu is slated to compete at the WTA 500 event in Ningbo, China, next week. However, given the current circumstances, she may reconsider and conclude her season early. Despite these challenges, Raducanu’s current ranking positions her as a seeded player for the upcoming Australian Open in January.
Emegypt continues to provide updates as the situation develops, keeping fans informed about player performances and tournament conditions in this intense sports season.
