Raducanu Set to Compete at Ningbo Open After Fitness Concerns

Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion from Britain, has declared herself physically prepared for the Ningbo Open, expressing a strong desire to challenge her limits this week.

Raducanu’s Asian tour has been fraught with difficulties. The British player faced disappointing defeats in Seoul and Beijing, losing match points against Barbora Krejcikova and Jessica Pegula in successive matches.

Her struggles continued at the Wuhan Open. The world No. 29 felt unwell and had to retire during her opening match against Ann Li due to challenging conditions.

Raducanu was scheduled to participate in the WTA 500 tournament in Ningbo the previous year, but an injury forced her withdrawal.

Now fully recovered, the 22-year-old is eager to make her debut at the Chinese WTA 500 event.

Raducanu voiced her appreciation for the atmosphere in China, remarking on the incredible support from the fans.

“I think it’s a special feeling. I feel very comfortable, I feel like I get amazing support here, which is so nice. I love how invested the Chinese fans are and how much support they give,” Raducanu stated.

The 2021 US Open champion emphasized the need for rigorous physical and mental exertion, citing endurance as her primary hurdle.

“I think where it’s different is just, it’s at the end of the season, so you need to push harder physically, you’re feeling it a bit more, and mentally as well, to just focus. That’s probably the biggest difference,” she explained.

In the first round, the British player is set to face Zhu Lin, who is ranked 219th globally. This will be their first encounter on the court.

The Ningbo Open, a WTA 500 tournament, presents Raducanu with an opportunity to accumulate points and improve her ranking, as she has no points to defend for the remainder of the season.