Emma Raducanu sparks Hong Kong Open doubts after struggling physically at Ningbo event
A week after retiring early at Wuhan Open, and 10 days before she is due in city for WTA 250 event, Briton again needs medical help
Emma Raducanu again struggled physically in a first-round exit at the Ningbo Open on Tuesday, sparking fears she could pull out of the Hong Kong Open for the second year running.
The former US Open champion was back on court a week after retiring from her opening match in Wuhan with dizziness in hot and humid conditions.
The British No 1 and former US Open champion needed a medical timeout when she was 4-3 down in the second set and again when she was trailing 2-1 in the final set.
Her movement still remained limited and Zhu raced to a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory by winning 16 of the last 19 points.
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, Raducanu seeking medical attention again – this time for her troublesome lower back – and limping to the finish line.