Emma Raducanu ended her Australian Open run Thursday after having to deal with a physical issue during the deciding set against China’s Yafan Wang.
What happened: Raducanu, 21, called for medical attention amid her deciding third set against Wang, 29, at the Australian Open in Melbourne. The British tennis star was seen covering herself with a towel before trainers came to check her blood pressure.
After a brief time out, the 2021 U.S. Open champion continued her match against Wang, but ultimately lost 6-4 4-6 6-4. It was her fourth game since returning to tennis after an eight-month hiatus due to ankle and wrist surgeries.
What she’s saying: At the press conference after her loss, Raducanu recalled how she “all of a sudden felt so sick, like weak and nauseous,” while she was up to serve in the third set. She revealed that she “just had a bit of a stomach bug beforehand.”
“Throughout the third set, I think everyone could see it was a bit of a battle,” she told reporters. “Physically I felt fine. It was more just like throwing up in my mouth, and then after the match it was, it came out, but now I’m okay. It just sucks with the timing.”
What’s next: Raducanu did not say where fans can see her next, but she remains committed to representing the U.K.
“I always love representing my country, but because of the amount of rehab process, I think whatever suits my schedule and my fitness the best is going to have to take priority,” she told reporters. “But my intention is good. I want to play.”
