Emma Raducanu’s challenging run on the WTA Tour continued as the British number one was forced to retire from her first-round match against Colombia’s Camila Osorio at the Qatar Open. The withdrawal came just two days after Raducanu had competed in the final of the Transylvania Open, marking her first appearance in a championship match since her historic 2021 US Open victory.
The 23-year-old began brightly in Doha but ultimately had to concede the contest during the third set after experiencing physical discomfort. Medical concerns resurfaced during the match, with Raducanu once again requiring her blood pressure to be checked by medical staff before making the difficult decision to stop playing.
Raducanu made an impressive start against Osorio, demonstrating the aggressive baseline play and confidence that had helped her reach the final in Romania days earlier. She raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening set, dictating rallies with powerful groundstrokes and moving fluently around the court. Her early dominance translated into a convincing 6-2 first-set victory.
However, signs of vulnerability began to emerge toward the latter stages of that opening set. Osorio, known for her fighting spirit and defensive skills, started extending rallies and forcing Raducanu into more demanding exchanges. Although the Brit secured the set comfortably, the Colombian’s growing momentum hinted that the match was far from over.
The shift became more apparent in the second set. Osorio elevated her level significantly, applying pressure on Raducanu’s serve and capitalizing on unforced errors. She earned her first service break of the match to move 3-2 ahead, exposing inconsistencies in Raducanu’s game.
As rallies lengthened, Raducanu appeared slightly less energetic than she had at the start. Osorio’s persistence paid off, and the Colombian claimed the second set 6-4 when Raducanu sent a forehand long under pressure. The match was now level, and momentum had swung firmly in Osorio’s favor.
The deciding set proved to be the most dramatic and concerning phase of the encounter. Raducanu fought hard at the outset, saving two break points in the opening game. Yet despite her resistance, she was broken soon after. During one key moment, she seemed reluctant or unable to fully chase down a drop shot, raising immediate concerns about her physical condition.
Shortly after falling 2-0 behind in the third set, Raducanu requested medical attention. The trainer came onto the court to assess her condition and took her blood pressure, echoing similar scenes from her recent matches. Spectators watched anxiously as she received treatment.
Although Raducanu briefly resumed play, it became clear she was struggling. Osorio consolidated her break, and the Brit approached the net moments later to inform the umpire of her decision to retire from the match. The crowd responded sympathetically as she left the court, marking another setback in what has been a turbulent period in her career.
This latest withdrawal follows a physically demanding week for Raducanu. Just days earlier, she competed in the Transylvania Open final — her first final appearance since her stunning triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2021. However, she was convincingly defeated by Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in just over an hour.
During that final, Raducanu also required medical checks, including a blood pressure reading. Afterward, she revealed she had been dealing with a chest infection, which had affected her energy levels and overall fitness. The illness appears to have lingered, contributing to her difficulties in Qatar.
Raducanu’s post-US Open career has been marked by flashes of promise but also frequent interruptions. Since capturing the Grand Slam title as a teenager, she has struggled to maintain consistent form and physical stability on tour. Injuries and fitness concerns have repeatedly disrupted her progress.
In October, Raducanu retired from her first-round match at the Wuhan Open after undergoing medical assessments for blood pressure and temperature issues. That incident raised further concerns about her physical resilience during intense competition.
Coaching changes have also been a recurring theme in her career. In January, Raducanu parted ways with Francis Roig following a second-round exit at the Australian Open. Roig, a Spaniard who had previously worked with Rafael Nadal, had been coaching Raducanu since the summer of 2025.
His departure made him the ninth coach Raducanu has worked with since her breakthrough season in 2021. The frequent changes have drawn attention and speculation, with many observers suggesting that stability in her support team could play a key role in rebuilding consistency.
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu’s talent remains unquestioned. Her clean ball-striking, court intelligence, and ability to compete under pressure were evident during her recent run to the Transylvania Open final. However, maintaining peak physical condition has proven to be an ongoing challenge.
The retirement in Qatar will inevitably raise fresh questions about her fitness management and scheduling. Playing deep into a tournament one week and competing again shortly afterward may have placed added strain on her recovering body.
For Raducanu, the immediate focus will likely shift toward recovery and regaining full health. Ensuring she overcomes the lingering effects of her chest infection and addressing any underlying fitness concerns will be crucial before returning to competition.
While her journey since 2021 has been far from smooth, Raducanu has shown resilience in the face of adversity. Each comeback attempt demonstrates her determination to rediscover the consistency that once propelled her to Grand Slam glory.
The WTA Tour remains highly competitive, and sustained success requires both physical robustness and mental stability. If Raducanu can achieve greater balance in these areas, there is every reason to believe she can reestablish herself among the elite players.
For now, her withdrawal from the Qatar Open represents another hurdle in a career that continues to evolve. Fans and analysts alike will hope that this latest setback proves temporary and that she returns stronger in the weeks ahead.
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