Ann Li Advances as Raducanu Retires from Wuhan Open

Wuhan, China – Ann Li moved on to the second round of the Dongfeng Voyah · Wuhan Open after Emma Raducanu was forced to retire due to dizziness. Raducanu was trailing 6-1, 4-1 when she made the decision to withdraw.

In her tournament debut, former US Open champion Raducanu began strongly by breaking Li in the opening game. However, Li responded with a series of forehand winners and four aces, winning six consecutive games to secure the first set. Raducanu struggled with her forehand, making several errors.

After double-faulting and falling behind with a substantial deficit in the second set, a doctor attended to Raducanu on the court. Following the consultation, she opted to retire from the match.

Li, currently ranked No. 46, is set to face No. 9 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the next round.

Earlier in the day, another American, Sofia Kenin, overcame qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in a thrilling match, winning 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-3. Kenin saved two match points while trailing at 5-4 in the second set, marking her recent impressive form after coming from a break down in the final set to secure victory.

Kenin will meet No. 16 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who edged past lucky loser Emiliana Arango 6-1, 7-5, saving four set points in the process.

This tournament marks a crucial moment for players aiming to gain momentum on the WTA tour, as a series of competitive matches lead toward the season’s final stages.