Emma Laducanu once again struggled physically as she was eliminated in the first round of the Ningbo Open on Tuesday.
The British number one returned to court a week after withdrawing from his first match in Wuhan after complaining of dizziness in the hot and humid conditions.
She posted a photo from her doctor’s office on social media and said she was feeling better, but weakened after winning the first set against China’s Zhu Lin, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
There didn’t seem to be any concerns at first as the temperatures were lower than last week, but Raducanu started to look lethargic early in the second set and called the doctor after seven games.
Things took a turn for the worse in the final, when the 2021 U.S. Open champion once again sought medical attention – this time for a troublesome lower back – and limped to the finish line.
Raducanu was without coach Francisco Roig, and the Spaniard took a week off to his home in Barcelona, replacing him with hitting partner Alexis Kanter and physical trainer Daniel Paul at courtside.
Canter managed to stay in front and gave plenty of encouragement, even though Laducanu seemed frustrated with the way he was playing and dropped serve twice in the first set.
Things turned worrying in the second set as the 22-year-old was sluggish and quickly fell 2-0 behind after being beaten by Zhu, who was ranked just outside the top 30 two years ago before dropping below 200 points due to injury.
Raducanu remained in contention in the set, falling to 2-2 and then 4-4 after consultation with a doctor who checked his blood pressure, before netting a forehand on set point in the 10th game.
She slowly made her way off court for a bathroom break, but the situation did not improve, and Raducanu’s back problems, which had been an issue at times throughout the season, returned again.
She doubled over early in the deciding match and took a medical timeout for treatment after three games.
Raducanu chose not to retire again, but could barely move and the end came quickly.
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