Emma Raducanu crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round after losing to Yafan Wang in three sets.
Playing her first Grand Slam since this event last year following an injury-ravaged 12 months, the Brit – who had defeated Shelby Rodgers in straight sets in the first round – went down 4-6 6-4 4-6.
In a draining encounter, Raducanu battled hard but began to struggle physically in the third set, with the former US Open champion having to call for the trainer, who took her blood pressure.
Despite looking like she was going to be sick, Raducanu bravely fought on, but eventually lost 4-6 to exit the tournament.
The 21-year-old, who was watched on by her mum in the crowd, was broken early in the first set by her 94th-ranked opponent and couldn’t quite recover as she went 1-0 behind.
Emma Raducanu is out of the Australian Open after losing to Yafan Wang in three sets
Raducanu fought hard, but was ultimately edged out by her impressive opponent Wang
Raducanu began to struggle physically in the third set and received medical attention, which included having her blood pressure checked
In the second, she was broken in the first game, before breaking back twice to win 6-4 to take the match to a deciding set.
However, she ultimately fell short, but it was still hugely positive to see the young Brit back competing on the big stage, and she refused to give up.
The clash against Wang was only her fourth match back after wrist and ankle surgeries which kept her out for almost nine months.
Despite the loss, the 21-year-old showed glimpses of her undoubted quality and talent and will now hope to continue to build up her match sharpness in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Wang is through to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.
It was still positive to see Raducanu back competing at the top level after her injury struggles
She showed glimpses of her undoubted quality and will hope to build up her match fitness over the coming months
Meanwhile, Wang reached the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career
Raducanu’s defeat comes after both Katie Boulter and Jack Draper crashed out on Thursday too, capping a dismal day for the Brits.
Boulter lost to Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen, with Qinwen now set to meet Wang in the third round on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Draper was defeated 2-6 6-3 3-6 5-7 by American Tommy Paul.
It means only Cameron Norrie – who beat Italian qualifier Guilio Zeppieri in five sets – remains in the singles for British hopes but Raducanu will come again.
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