Emma Raducanu ousted from Australian Open by Wang Yafan after sickness struggles

Emma Raducanu’s return to Grand Slam tennis concluded with a challenging second-round loss to China’s Wang Yafan at the 2024 Australian Open. The match, which lasted nearly three hours, ended with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in favor of Wang.

Throughout the match, Raducanu exhibited commendable resilience, especially considering her recent recovery from wrist and ankle surgeries that had sidelined her for eight months. In the deciding set, she faced physical discomfort, feeling nauseous and experiencing weakness. Despite these challenges, she continued to compete, stating, “There was no way I was going to pull out. She was going to have to beat me—and she did.”

The match began with Wang taking the first set 6-4, showcasing her consistency and movement. Raducanu responded in the second set, increasing her intensity and breaking Wang’s serve to level the match. However, early in the third set, Raducanu’s physical struggles became apparent. She required medical attention and medication but continued to fight, creating multiple break-point opportunities. Ultimately, Wang’s steadiness under pressure secured her victory.

This defeat means there are no British players remaining in the women’s singles draw of the tournament. Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance, especially under physical duress, offers positive signs for her future on the tour. Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned, “Everything I went through last year has made me so much tougher.”