Raducanu Retires in Wuhan; Heat Rule Debate

Emma Raducanu retired from her first-round Wuhan Open match against Ann Li after appearing unwell and dizzy, trailing 6-1, 4-1, and having her blood pressure, temperature and other vitals checked during a medical timeout. Play on outdoor courts was suspended amid sweltering, humid conditions of around 34–35°C, and Raducanu had appeared listless before calling for treatment. Her withdrawal adds to heat-related problems across China — including multiple retirements in Shanghai plus Jannik Sinner cramping and Novak Djokovic vomiting on court — and has intensified debate about player safety. The episode has prompted calls for stronger protections, with the ATP said to be considering a formal heat rule and players such as Iga Swiatek warning that the congested calendar is overwhelming while some competitors (including Daria Kasatkina) have ended their seasons early. The retirement is a setback to Raducanu’s Asian swing and ranking ambitions ahead of next year’s Australian Open.