Emma Raducanu was forced to pull out of the Qatar Open on Monday, with the tennis star having her blood pressure checked on court by a doctor as she competed in the Middle East.
The 23-year-old opted to take part in the tournament just two days after losing to Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the Transylvania Open final.
Raducanu was poor on Saturday, with the Briton winning just two games as her rival cruised to a straight sets victory.
That match was marred by issues, with Raducanu requiring a medical timeout during the contest.
On Monday, Raducanu’s health was put in the spotlight once again.
She won her first set at the Qatar Open at the third attempt but, after being broken midway through the second, was never able to recover.
Raducanu dropped her serve in the third set and was then visited by a doctor. After that, she competed for one more game but was visibly hampered, with the 2021 US Open champion barely able to move.
Emma Raducanu was forced to pull out of the Qatar Open on Monday, with the tennis star having her blood pressure checked on court by a doctor as she competed in the Middle East
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Eventually, at 2-6, 6-4, 0-2, Raducanu decided to forfeit the match with Camila Osorio securing her spot in the next round instead.
The British tennis star is yet to address the incident but, after two health scares in the space of 48 hours and several worrying moments last year, something is troubling her.
Speaking after her defeat in Romania, Raducanu alluded to an ongoing issue behind the scenes.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA
After being thumped by Sorana Cirstea, she said: “It was obviously really tough.
“I think Sorana played a great match for sure, and I’ve kind of… yeah, just been kind of dealing with some health… just not feeling great this week and then yesterday was obviously a battle.
“I felt quite tired today and just need to try and rest as best as possible.”
Raducanu then elaborated a bit more, with the Grand Slam winner admitting that she’s been suffering with illness.
“I’ve just been a bit ill this week,” she admitted.
“And then yesterday’s match was so long and it just took it out of me, so for today I just felt like energy-wise that I didn’t really have much energy and it was really difficult but again, Sorana played so well.
Emma Raducanu has shown glimpses of her best form in 2026 so far
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“I had no chance if I wasn’t 100 per cent, and even if I was 100 per cent, she was still playing incredible tennis.
“So, all credit to her, she really deserves this one.”
Raducanu has, however, shown glimpses of her quality in 2026 so far – despite a disappointing Australian Open campaign that resulted in her being dumped out in the second round.
Her run to the final of the Transylvania Open was impressive, with Raducanu showcasing some of the power of old as she came to within touching distance of the trophy.
She has made it clear she’s determined to go back to the same big-hitting style that resulted in her only major nearly five years ago.
For now, Raducanu will be determined to recover from her latest health scare. Once she’s over it, it’ll be intriguing to see how she fares as the season progresses.
