Emma Raducanu retired during her fifth quarter-final match of the year at the Korea Open.
After suffering from a foot issue in her straight sets win over Chinese eighth seed Yuan Yue, Emma Raducanu was forced off prematurely against Russian top seed Daria Kasatkina.
Having notched up her first two wins since July, Raducanu was much improved against Yuan compared to her erratic opening match against Peyton Stearns.
The Brit had been troubled by a foot issue in the previous round against Yuan, and it unfortunately proved too bothersome to overcome against Kasatkina.
Kasatkina bulldozed through the first set 6-1, before Raducanu called it a day before the second set got underway.
Daria Kasatkina issues ‘sorry’ message to Emma Raducanu after Korea Open retirement
The Russian oozes class both on and off the court and confirmed that yet again after Raducanu’s retirement.
The injury-prone Brit was sidelined for a lengthy period last year after three surgeries on her wrist and ankle.
With her progress again frustrated through injury, Kasatkina said in her post-match interview: “First of all, I feel sorry for Emma for retiring during the match.
“It’s a pity to get injured, especially in the deeper stages on the tournament,” Kasatkina continued. “I wish her a speedy recovery to get ready for the next tournament. I know that this swing is important for her.”
Having later advanced to the final, the Russian lost from a set up to Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Emma Raducanu desperately needs full fitness before anything else
With just a couple of wins needed before everyone seemingly brands Raducanu as triumphantly back, the Brit has once again come undone by injury.
A controversial summer, which saw Andy Roddick question Raducanu’s decisions regarding tournament scheduling, ended before it really began.
Tipped for a big comeback, Raducanu strangely pulled out of both Cincinnati and Toronto after not being awarded a wildcard entry.
Whatever you think of the decision, a player who needs any matches she can get abjectly refusing to do so feels bizarre and not particularly productive.
Tim Henman said Raducanu should focus on performance rather than results ahead of her US Open campaign which ultimately ended early.
However, when you’re injured that decision becomes one you can’t actually make. If Raducanu is to rediscover her form from 2021, building up her strength should be the sole objective.
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