Emma Raducanu retires injured in Korea Open quarter-final with Daria Kasatkina

Emma Raducanu Retires Injured in Korea Open Quarter-Final Against Daria Kasatkina

British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s return to the WTA Tour was cut short after she retired due to injury during her quarter-final clash against Daria Kasatkina at the 2024 Korea Open. The highly anticipated match, which took place in Seoul, ended prematurely when Raducanu pulled out while trailing 6-2, 3-1.

Raducanu, who has been plagued by injuries throughout the 2023 season, was hoping to build momentum after a strong showing in the earlier rounds. She had defeated former top-20 player Alison Riske-Amritraj and rising star Moyuka Uchijima to reach the quarter-finals, a promising sign after a prolonged recovery from wrist and ankle surgeries.

However, the 2021 US Open champion struggled to find her rhythm against Kasatkina, who is currently ranked in the top 10. The Russian dominated the early exchanges, using her signature mix of consistency and defensive skills to force errors from Raducanu. The British player appeared to struggle with her movement, showing signs of discomfort during rallies as the match progressed.

At 6-2, 3-1 down, Raducanu called for medical attention, visibly wincing during her consultation with the physio. After a brief discussion, she made the decision to retire, handing Kasatkina a spot in the semi-finals.

The retirement marks another setback in what has been a challenging 18 months for Raducanu. Since her historic US Open triumph, she has faced a series of physical and coaching challenges, struggling to regain the form that saw her rise to global prominence. Injuries have been a major hurdle, with Raducanu withdrawing or retiring from several events since late 2022.

In her post-match statement, Raducanu expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about her ongoing recovery. “I’ve worked really hard to get back on the court, but unfortunately, I felt something during the match and didn’t want to risk further injury. I’ll be taking it day by day and will continue focusing on my long-term fitness.”

Meanwhile, Kasatkina, who had been in fine form throughout the tournament, will now prepare for her semi-final match as she aims to capture the Korea Open title.

Raducanu’s fans remain hopeful that the young star will overcome her injury woes and return to full strength in time for the upcoming indoor season. With her talent and determination, many still believe she has the potential to be a major force in women’s tennis for years to come.

**Injuries Continue to Hamper Raducanu’s Career**

Since her US Open victory in 2021, Emma Raducanu has struggled to maintain consistent results, largely due to recurring injuries. The 2024 season has been particularly tough, with the young Brit missing major tournaments, including Wimbledon and the French Open, to focus on her recovery. Despite flashes of brilliance, Raducanu’s frequent injury setbacks have raised concerns about her long-term prospects on the tour.

However, Raducanu’s team is confident that with the right management and rehabilitation, she can return to her best form. At just 21 years old, she still has time on her side, and her remarkable work ethic continues to fuel hopes of a full comeback.

As the tennis world watches Raducanu’s journey unfold, her resilience and passion for the sport remain evident, even in the face of adversity. Fans will be eagerly awaiting her next appearance on the court, hopeful that the worst of her injury problems are behind her.