Australian Open 2024: Emma Raducanu loses to Wang Yafan
Emma Raducanu demonstrated incredible resilience in her Grand Slam comeback at the Australian Open, refusing to quit despite facing physical challenges. In a hard-fought second-round match, the 21-year-old British player battled against China's Wang Yafan, ultimately losing 6-4 4-6 6-4, even while dealing with discomfort that included «throwing up» during the match.
This match marked Raducanu's fourth appearance following wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for eight months. Despite the adversity, she emphasized her newfound toughness, stating, «Everything I went through last year has made me so much tougher.» Raducanu made it clear that pulling out was not an option, declaring, «There was no way I was going to pull out. She was going to have to beat me — and she did.»
Raducanu's exit coincided with fellow Briton Katie Boulter's defeat to Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen on the same court. The British pair had aimed to set up an all-British clash in the third round, but it is the Chinese duo who will face each other on Saturday.
With the losses of Raducanu and Boulter, there are no British players remaining in the women's singles at the Australian Open. Cameron Norrie, who staged a remarkable comeback earlier in the day, is now the sole representative from the nation in the singles draws.
Positive signs for Raducanu
Returning to the court after a lengthy absence always requires time to regain match sharpness, and patience with the recovery process becomes essential. Emma Raducanu, having faced both physical and mental challenges since her 2021 US Open triumph, requires an extra level of caution in her comeback.
In her intense battle against the
