"Death, taxes & Emma Raducanu’s retirement";"Don't bother coming back to tour"- Fans react to Brit withdrawing from China Open after Korea Open injury

Fans had mixed reactions to Emma Raducanu's withdrawal from the China Open, ranging from sympathy to criticism and frustration. Raducanu said she injured herself during the Korea Open in Seoul and needs more time to recover.

Since her breakthrough victory at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has struggled to recapture that form. During this year's grasscourt season, the Brit showed signs of regaining her fitness and potential. However, her comeback momentum stalled with a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open in August.

The 21-year-old began her Asian hardcourt swing with the Korea Open in Seoul. She stated that she "thrives in Asia" and looked impressive as she reached the quarterfinal and faced top seed Daria Kasatkina. The Russian convincingly won the first set 6-1 before Raducanu had to retire due to injury.

Raducanu's participation in the China Open was uncertain following the injury in Seoul, and she confirmed the worst via an update on her X account. She revealed that she had "sprained some ligaments" and would need more time to recover.

Many fans expressed their frustration and criticism upon learning about her withdrawal.

"There she goes thriving in Asia…" one fan wrote.

"Don't bother coming back to tour sis.... You re washed," another fan wrote.

"Feels like she just plays every now and then to fulfill sponsorship obligations..." a third fan claimed.

"Death, taxes and Emma’s retirements 🤡🤡" a fourth fan wrote.

Some fans expressed concern and showed support for Emma Raducanu after her withdrawal from the China Open.

"Such a shame for Emma. Wise decision though; getting fully recovered has to take priority. I am looking forward to seeing her back soon ❤️‍🩹" one fan wrote.

"Wishing you a speedy recovery and hopefully see you back on court soon 🫶" another fan wrote.

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Emma Raducanu was hoping to stay fit during the Asian swing after a 2024 season full of withdrawals

Emma Raducanu at the 2024 US Open (Image: Getty)

In the past few years, Emma Raducanu has undergone multiple surgeries in a bid to regain fitness and form. Although sparks of her potential were on display this year, she has missed several events due to scheduling and injuries.

During the summer, however, Raducanu said she was prioritizing the Asian swing at the end of the season.

"I always knew there was a really long block in Asia at the end of the year and I didn't want to overdo myself in the first half of the year. I have to prioritize and Asia was one of those for me. So I stacked the year on the backend heavy, because I'm excited. I thrive in Asia. It's where I truly feel like home," Emma Raducanu said to WTA Insider.

Raducanu withdrew from the Miami Open and played only a handful of tournaments during the clay swing. Despite showing determination during the grasscourt season, her scheduling choices, such as skipping the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, drew criticism from former US Open champion Kim Clijsters.

Raducanu opted to compete only in the Citi Open ahead of the US Open, where she faced an early exit. Now, just one tournament into the Asian swing, she has already had to withdraw from the China Open due to injury.