Emma Raducanu’s struggles in Asia continued today as a lower back injury forced her to take two medical timeouts during a painful first-round defeat at the Ningbo Open.
The British No. 1 fell to wildcard Lin Zhu in three sets: 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Just a week after retiring from the Wuhan Open due to extreme heat, the 22-year-old was visibly hobbling in the deciding set after winning the first. Her movement was restricted, allowing world No. 219 Zhu to take control.
The defeat immediately raises concerns over Raducanu’s fitness for the upcoming Hong Kong Open, which starts on October 27, and may signal an early end to her season.
Despite the recent physical setbacks, Raducanu’s strong form earlier in the year has seen her rise to World No. 29, placing her in line to be seeded at the Australian Open in January.
