Raducanu retires in opening match at Abierto Akron Zapopan

In her first match since losing in the second round of the Australian Open, Emma Raducanu was forced to retire during her opening round encounter against Daria Saville at the Abierto Akron Zapopan on Tuesday night.

The top seed was two points away from victory in the second set, but eventually succumbed to cramping and fatigue as Saville prevailed 5-7 7-6(4) 4-3 (RET) after a marathon three hours and 36 minutes.

Raducanu looked shay in the opening set, hitting four double faults behind a low first serve percentage. However, she was assisted by her Australian opponent, who committed a whooping eight double faults in the first set alone. This enabled Raducanu to obtain the crucial break at 5-5, preventing a first set tiebreak.

The second set saw the British star looking more confident on serve, as she hit five aces to four double faults. Raducanu obtained a break to lead 5-3, and led 30-15 on serve. However, the 19-year old failed to capitalize on her opportunity, as Saville fought back, extending the set to a tiebreak. After leading 2-0 in the tiebreak, Raducanu fell apart, allowing Saville to claim the set and force a decider.

It was at this point that fatigue began to catch up with the US Open champion, as she took a medical timeout to address her cramping. Unable to continue, Raducanu threw in the towel at 3-4, handing Saville a berth to the next round.