In a challenging encounter at the 2025 AUX Ningbo Open, British player Emma Raducanu faced a tough defeat against wild-card entrant Zhu Lin. The match, which extended over two hours and thirty-three minutes, concluded with Raducanu bowing out in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. This defeat marks a troubling trend for Raducanu, who has struggled with physical fitness throughout the season.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 29 in the world, took two medical time-outs during the match. The first occurred in the second set, where she received hydration and a quick health check from her physio. The second time-out was prompted by lower back issues, which increasingly hampered her mobility and service motion. In total, she accumulated five double faults and surrendered eight breaks while confronting a staggering twenty-two break points against her.
This defeat has now positioned Raducanu among the most disappointing results of her career on the WTA Tour, only surpassed by a previous loss to Daria Saville at the 2022 Guadalajara Open. Zhu Lin, although currently ranked No. 219, is a seasoned player who previously broke into the Top 40. The 31-year-old showcased her tenacity by marking this win as her second against a Top 30 opponent since her return to professional play in January after a lengthy injury layoff.
The match dynamics became increasingly intense as Zhu adapted her gameplay, pushing Raducanu to engage in longer rallies. Despite initially winning the first set after a dramatic series of games, Raducanu could not maintain her form in the latter stages. Zhu came into her own, delivering a barrage of powerful groundstrokes that overwhelmed Raducanu, particularly in the decisive third set where she reclaimed control.
Zhu expressed gratitude towards her audience following the match, emphasizing her desire to compete at her best following a challenging recovery period. “This year, I’m trying my best to perform,” she remarked in her on-court interview.
Raducanu’s recent form has raised concerns, especially in light of her premature exit from the Wuhan Open just a week prior, where she retired due to dizziness. The British tennis star has competed in a demanding 50 matches this year — the most since her stunning US Open victory in 2021 — signifying the toll the tour has taken on her body.
Amidst these health challenges, Raducanu’s preparation has faced upheaval. Her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, has been absent since April for personal reasons, and Raducanu has since relied on various trainers, including Daniel Pohl, who has worked with high-profile athletes like Naomi Osaka. Furthermore, Raducanu’s coach, Francisco Roig, was not in attendance at the Ningbo Open as he took a short break, leaving her to navigate the challenges with her hitting partner, Alexis Canter.
Looking ahead, Raducanu has two tournaments remaining on her 2025 schedule: the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and the Hong Kong Open. However, her physical state and competitive spirit will be critical factors for her participation.
Zhu Lin will next face the tournament’s top seed, Mirra Andreeva, a match that carries significant implications for WTA Finals qualifications. The two have met recently in Beijing, where Andreeva secured a straightforward victory.
The Ningbo event saw a shakeup in the draw, with several high-profile players, including Raducanu, being ousted in the first round. Marketa Vondrousova, returning from injury, also fell to compatriot Karolina Muchova in straight sets, while Dayana Yastremska battled through to the next round.
As the tournament unfolds, the performance of these athletes illustrates the relentless nature of professional tennis, where competition and resilience are continually tested.
