Raducanu had previously beaten two top-50 players in Seoul en route to the last eight.
In a heartbreaking end to what could have been a promising run at the Korea Open, Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her quarter-final match against top-seeded Daria Kasatkina. The 2021 US Open champion, who has been battling a series of injuries throughout the season, saw her hopes dashed once again as she succumbed to a foot issue, withdrawing after losing the first set 6-1.
Raducanu entered the Korea Open with optimism, determined to gain momentum in the final stretch of the season. After navigating through two top-50 players, American Peyton Stearns and China’s Yue Yuan, Raducanu seemed on the verge of reaching her second WTA semi-final of the year. Earlier this week, she spoke about her desire to play as many matches as possible before the year ends, eager to regain form and consistency on the tour.
However, her quarter-final against world number 13 Kasatkina started off rocky. After rain forced the match to be delayed on Friday, Raducanu faced an uphill battle when the contest finally began on Saturday. In the second game, Kasatkina broke Raducanu's serve, and although the Briton immediately broke back, she couldn’t build any momentum. Kasatkina soon wrapped up the first set, and that was when Raducanu walked over to the net, extending her hand to her opponent and conceding the match due to her worsening foot injury.
Get well soon, @EmmaRaducanu 💜@DKasatkina advances to the semifinals after Raducanu retires due to injury.
Final score: 6-1. #KoreaOpen pic.twitter.com/yXUhxDNxiR
— wta (@WTA) September 21, 2024
The 21-year-old Brit’s body has been a constant obstacle since her stunning victory at the US Open in 2021. This year alone, injuries have been a recurring theme, preventing Raducanu from gaining any real traction on the tour. Despite her efforts to fight through and overcome these setbacks, it seems her body has not been on her side. The foot issue that forced her out of the Korea Open is just the latest in a series of physical challenges that have marred her 2023 season.
For many fans and analysts, the scene of Raducanu leaving the court injured has become all too familiar. Withdrawing from the quarter-final in Korea marks another frustrating chapter in what has been a difficult year for the former Grand Slam champion. While her victory at the US Open at just 18 years old promised a bright future, it seems that her journey has been stifled by a near-constant stream of injuries.
Raducanu’s resilience and ability to bounce back have never been in doubt, and she has demonstrated a remarkable mental fortitude to return time and time again. But questions are now being raised about whether her body can keep up with the demands of professional tennis. Foot problems, wrist injuries, and back strains have all taken their toll over the past two years, making it challenging for Raducanu to maintain any form of consistency.
The foot injury in Seoul will only add to the growing concern about her long-term fitness. Many in the tennis world are beginning to wonder if Raducanu needs an extended break from the sport to fully recover, rather than continually pushing herself to compete when she’s not physically at her best.
With the 2024 season looming, Raducanu’s team will now need to reassess her schedule and perhaps focus on recovery rather than competing in the closing months of the year. Her fans, while disappointed to see her withdraw yet again, will surely be hoping that she takes the time she needs to heal and return to the court stronger and fitter next season.
As for Kasatkina, the Russian moves forward in the Korea Open, likely with mixed emotions. The top seed will no doubt be relieved to have advanced to the semi-finals, but facing an opponent as injury-riddled as Raducanu can be a bittersweet experience for any athlete.
For Raducanu, the Korea Open was supposed to be an opportunity to build momentum heading into the offseason, but instead, it has become yet another reminder of how fragile the road to tennis greatness can be. With every step forward, she’s faced with new obstacles, and the tennis world watches closely to see how she will navigate this latest hurdle.
