UK tennis rising star of Romanian origin Emma Raducanu retires from Wimbledon over breathing issues

After outranking Marketa Vondrousova and Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the second and third rounds respectively at Wimbledon, British rising star of Romanian -Chinese origine Emma Raducanu was forced to retire hurt midway through the second set against Ajla Tomljanovic on Monday. Raducanu was losing 4-6 0-3 when she had to retire during a medical timeout.

The 18-year-old – who defeated 2020 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova in the second round and world number 45 Sorana Cirstea in the third – had to withdraw from Wimbledon competition due to some chest and stomach pains.

Later on Monday, Wimbledon confirmed that Raducanu had retired from the match because of “difficulty breathing”.

The teenager born to a Romanian father and a Chinese mother was making her Grand Slam debut, having only made her maiden appearance on the WTA Tour in June.

The BBC commentator, former tennis player, John McEnroe has come under fire after suggesting that Emma Raducanu found playing in the last 16 of Wimbledon “a little too much” after she retired from the match.

McEnroe practically suggested that the 18-year-old Emma Raducanu had not been able to handle the occasion.

“I feel bad for Emma, obviously,” said McEnroe. “It appears it just got a little bit too much, as is understandable, particularly with what we’ve been talking about this over the last six weeks with Osaka not even here. How much can players handle? It makes you look at the guys that have been around and the girls for so long – how well they can handle it. Hopefully she’ll learn from this experience.”

McEnroe also suggested the late start had contributed to Raducanu’s situation. “I don’t think it helped that the previous match went as long as it did because it made her think about it more,” he added. “That’s a lot to take on, especially when you’ve never been there before.”

However, he also suggested that the manner of her loss would stand her in good stead in the future. “Maybe it’s not a shame this has happened right now when she is 18,” he said. “I played this tournament at 18 and in a way I was happy I lost. I was able to understand what it would take to make it.”

After being told about McEnroe’s comments, Tomljanovic said they were “definitely harsh”.

“I can’t imagine being in her shoes at 18 playing a fourth round in your home country,” she added. “It’s something I can’t even imagine. For him to say that, it’s definitely harsh. I have experienced something similar but not to that extent. I know that it’s a real thing. I’ve spoken to athletes that have gone through that. It’s not easy.”

McEnroe was also criticised on social media with Dr Alex George, an A&E doctor, tweeting: “I didn’t realise John McEnroe was medically qualified or that he has X-ray vision!”

Journalist Harriet Minter also slammed McEnroe for his comment. “Listening to the John McEnroe commentary about Emma Raducanu. Two things: 1. Is he drunk? 2. Is there anything more annoying than a man telling a woman she’s not hurt she’s just emotional? No, no there isn’t. Please ask him to stop“.

Who is the Emma Raducanu?

Born in Canada to a Romanian father and a Chinese mother, Emme Raducanu arrived in UK at the age of 2. Emma was raised in London and started to play tennis when she was five years old.

About her connections to Romania, Emma told Gazeta Sporturilor:“My father is from Bucharest, like my paternal grandmother, “mamaia”, who is still living downtown Bucharest. I return to Bucharest several times a year to see my grandmother. It’s very beautiful. I love the Romanian cuisine. To be honest, it is incredible! Grandma is cooking for me and this is another special thing”.

Emma Raducanu, who is a huge fan of Simona Halep, also talks about her mental strength to pursue her career in tennis: “My parents were pretty rigorous, not just about tennis, but with all the rest. I think I developed this mentality from an early age. I am so feisty that I want to be among the first although I am in a tough high school and some brilliant kids learn there. My parents bring me down to earth and tell me: <You cannot be perfect in everything>.”