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Emma Raducanu may need to end her 2025 season early after latest setback in China
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Emma Raducanu’s struggles in Asia continued as she crashed out of the Ningbo Open in her opening match.

Raducanu took the first set but was hampered by illness and a back problem, often seen stretching on court throughout the match.

She took two medical timeouts and had her blood pressure checked, but she couldn’t find a way through to victory.

Zhu Lin, ranked 219th in the world, won 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to move into the last 16 where she will face top seed Mirra Andreeva.

This latest setback comes after Raducanu retired from her previous match in Wuhan, raising questions about what changes she might need to consider moving forward.

Emma Raducanu may need to consider ending her season early

Raducanu, currently ranked 29th in the world, is in a good position to qualify for the Australian Open as a seeded player.

If she does secure a seeded spot, it would be her first since the 2022 Australian Open. But with her recent physical issues, it might be wise for Raducanu to end her season early.


Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images

The Brit retired during her opening match at the Wuhan Open due to dizziness and has now faced physical problems in two straight matches.

At this point, Raducanu needs to put her health before rankings or results, even if it means missing out on a seeded place at the 2026 Australian Open.

She is currently 110 points ahead of world number 33 Iva Jovic, who would miss out on a seeded spot by just one place if things stay as they are.

Emma Raducanu’s last tournament of 2025

As it stands, Emma Raducanu has only entered one more tournament before the end of 2025 — the Hong Kong Open.

The tournament takes place between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2 and will also feature Katie Boulter, Leylah Fernandez and Alexandra Eala among others.

Given her recent struggles though, withdrawing from this tournament might be wise for Raducanu. She could use the time off to properly rest ahead of the next season.

The Brit hasn’t signed up for any other remaining events in 2025 like the Guangzhou Open, Pan Pacific Open, Jiangxi Open or Chennai Open.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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