Emma Raducanu’s recent struggles on the court have left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. Just when it seemed like she was ready to bounce back, another setback has thrown her season into question. The British tennis star suffered her third consecutive defeat at the Ningbo Open, this time falling to China’s Zhu Lin in a match that highlighted her ongoing physical challenges.
Fresh off a disappointing first-round retirement in Wuhan due to dizziness in sweltering conditions, Raducanu returned to the court with hopes of a stronger showing. She even shared an update on social media, reassuring fans that she was feeling better. But here’s where it gets concerning: after taking the first set against Zhu, Raducanu’s performance unraveled, culminating in a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 loss. And this is the part most people miss—her recurring health issues are starting to overshadow her undeniable talent.
Initially, the cooler temperatures seemed to work in her favor, but Raducanu’s energy levels plummeted early in the second set. She called for medical assistance after just seven games, a move that raised eyebrows. The deciding set was even more alarming, as the 2021 US Open champion sought treatment for her troublesome lower back, visibly limping as the match drew to a close.
Adding to the complexity, Raducanu was without her coach, Francisco Roig, who was taking a break in Barcelona. Instead, she relied on hitting partner Alexis Canter and physical trainer Daniel Pohl for support. Canter’s encouragement helped Raducanu stay competitive in the first set, despite her frustration with her own performance and two service breaks.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Raducanu’s team doing enough to address her recurring injuries? The 22-year-old’s movement became increasingly sluggish in the second set, allowing Zhu—who had fallen from the top 30 to below 200 in the rankings due to her own injury struggles—to take control. Raducanu fought back to level the set at 4-4 after a medical consultation, but a netted forehand on set point sealed her fate.
Her back issue, a persistent problem this season, flared up again in the final set. Despite opting not to retire, Raducanu’s mobility was severely limited, and the match ended swiftly. This raises a thought-provoking question: How much is physical health holding her back, and what steps should her team take to ensure her long-term success?
As Raducanu’s season hangs in the balance, one thing is clear: her resilience is being tested like never before. What do you think? Is her team handling her injuries effectively, or is there more they could be doing? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
