Emma Raducanu retires in Qatar opener after on-court blood pressure test

British tennis star Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her first-round match against Colombian qualifier Camila Osorio at the Qatar Open in Doha on Monday after suffering a physical setback during the deciding set. The former US Open champion withdrew while trailing 2-0 in the third set following a medical timeout where trainers conducted a blood pressure test on court. Raducanu had intended to use the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament to regain momentum following a series of inconsistent performances, but concerns over her health ultimately cut her residency in the Gulf short. The match began as a highly competitive affair, with Raducanu battling through two grueling sets against Osorio, who entered the main draw via the qualifying rounds. However, the physical toll became apparent as the match progressed into the third set, leading Raducanu to call for medical assistance. Television footage showed the medical staff monitoring her vitals, specifically focusing on her blood pressure, as she sat on the bench appearing distressed. Despite a brief attempt to resume play after the assessment, the British number one determined she was unable to maintain the necessary intensity to finish the contest. This early exit represents a significant blow for Raducanu, who has been working to find her footing on the professional tour following a lengthy injury layoff last year. While the specific cause of the blood pressure issue has not been detailed by her camp, the retirement raises fresh questions about the 21-year-old’s match fitness and her ability to withstand high-intensity play in the demanding climate of the Middle East. Meanwhile, Camila Osorio advances to the second round of the tournament via the walkover, securing a vital victory as she continues her climb up the world rankings.