Ann Li booked her place in the second round of the 2025 Wuhan Open after Emma Raducanu retired mid-match due to dizziness, extending a difficult run for the former US Open champion. The American led comfortably at 6-1, 4-1 when Raducanu signaled that she could no longer continue.
It was a disappointing sight for fans who had hoped to see Raducanu rediscover the spark that carried her to stardom in 2021. Despite flashes of her trademark precision and speed, the Brit was outplayed from the start, with Li dictating the tempo through powerful returns and clever court coverage.
The match unfolded under sweltering conditions that tested both players physically. While Li adapted well, Raducanu appeared visibly drained after just a few games, struggling to maintain rhythm and depth on her groundstrokes. Medical staff later confirmed her retirement was precautionary, though it raised fresh concerns over her fitness as the season nears its close.
Ann Li, meanwhile, continues her quiet but impressive resurgence. After missing significant time in 2023 due to injury, she has steadily climbed back up the rankings, showcasing a blend of controlled aggression and improved shot tolerance. Her next challenge will be maintaining that form against higher-seeded opposition as the tournament intensifies.
For Raducanu, attention now turns to recovery and reassessment. The Wuhan Open was meant to signal a new start, yet it instead highlighted the lingering issues that have stalled her progress. As her 2025 campaign winds down, her focus will likely shift to rebuilding both fitness and confidence before the new season begins.
