Emma Raducanu, the rising British tennis star and former US Open champion, found herself facing yet another unfortunate setback as she had to retire mid-match during her quarter-final clash at the Korea Open against top seed Daria Kasatkina due to a persistent foot injury. This incident unfolded on September 21, 2024, during a pivotal moment in Raducanu's attempts to regain momentum on the WTA Tour.
The 21-year-old had entered the tournament with renewed hope, hoping to build on her recent performances after overcoming challenging phases in her career plagued by injuries. Up until this match, Raducanu had shown promising form, defeating seasoned competitors Peyton Stearns and Yuan Yue, both players ranked within the top 50. Yet, it was clear from the outset of her match against Kasatkina, the world number 13, something wasn't quite right.
From the very beginning, Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm. Despite managing to break back early after losing her serve, she appeared unable to fully power through her shots, indicating the discomfort she was experiencing with her injured left foot. The foot has been the center of her struggles since her round of 16 match where she had to take a medical timeout but was able to continue, eventually winning comfortably against Yuan Yue.
During the first set against Kasatkina, Raducanu was broken early again, and the top seed capitalized on her lack of mobility, quickly taking the set 6-1 within just over 30 minutes. After requesting medical attention at the halfway mark of the set, Raducanu's concerns grew evident when she decided not to continue after the first set. This withdrawal was particularly disappointing for her fans and observers who had hoped she might reach the semi-finals of a WTA event above the 250 level for the first time since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open.
After the match concluded, Kasatkina expressed her concern for Raducanu, stating, “I feel sorry for Emma ... it’s a pity to get injured, especially in the deep stages of the tournament. I wish her a speedy recovery.” Such sentiments resonate deeply, considering the high stakes Raducanu has faced since her stunning US Open victory over two years ago.
Reflecting on her career post-2021, various injuries have hindered Raducanu, restricting her to only nine matches throughout 2023 due to multiple surgeries on her hands and ankle. This limited schedule clearly plays on her competitive edge; Raducanu's perseverance throughout such trials has been commendable, but the burden of injury recovery is noticeable. She has only recently shown signs of reclaiming her place among the world's top players.
Raducanu's performance at the Korea Open was interrupted by rain, which forced the scheduling changes for her quarter-final. Although her opponents also faced similar weather disruptions, this extra day to recover had been anticipated to benefit her. The victory over Yuan Yue seemed to signal improvement, making the frustration of her retirement against Kasatkina all the more poignant.
Looking forward, Raducanu will be hoping to be fit for the upcoming China Open, another significant event on the WTA calendar, scheduled to begin on September 26, 2024. Following her injury-laden year, each match now symbolizes not just the pursuit of points and ranking, but rather the battle to regain her previous form and confidence on the court.
Kasatkina will move on to the semi-finals to face compatriot Diana Shnaider, another formidable player who has been making waves recently, alongside Brazilian third seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, who is set to face Veronika Kudermetova.
Emma Raducanu remains a fan favorite, widely admired not only for her skills and explosive talent but also for her resilience against adversity, and as she works to return to peak performance, the tennis community eagerly awaits her next matches and hopes for her full recovery.
