Emma Raducanu Withdrew from China Open
The world No 98 has opted to skip the upcoming tournament as she extends her hiatus from the professional tour.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Tennis
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Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the China Open, continuing a season defined by injury absences and limited competition. The tennis player is currently managing her form through unconventional methods, including reading Andre Agassi's autobiography for guidance.
Why it matters
Raducanu is using this extended hiatus to navigate a challenging 2026 season that has seen her miss major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open. Her withdrawal reflects the ongoing difficulty of balancing physical recovery with the demands of the WTA Tour.
Raducanu is currently ranked world No 98 by the WTA, having earned over $600,000 in prize money throughout her 21-match 2026 season.
The players
Emma Raducanu
She is a professional tennis player who won the 2021 US Open and is currently working to regain her top-tier form.
Andre Agassi
He is a former world No 1 tennis player and eight-time Grand Slam champion whose autobiography is currently being read by Raducanu.
The details
After missing significant portions of the 2026 calendar, including both Wimbledon and the US Open, Raducanu is focusing on recalibrating her career trajectory. She has been leaning on the memoir of tennis legend Andre Agassi to find professional perspective while remaining away from competition.
Timeline
2026: The duration of Raducanu's competitive season.
September 28, 2026 - October 5, 2026: The window for the China Open tennis tournament.
October 2026: Potential timeframe for the Japan Open and Pan Pacific Open.
Season Trajectory
The withdrawal forces Raducanu to miss another major event, putting her at risk of sliding further down the WTA rankings. This decision highlights the difficulty of maintaining a competitive presence while battling frequent interruptions to one's playing schedule.
Fans and fantasy players should note that Raducanu's withdrawal removes her from the China Open field and leaves her future participation in the fall Asian swing uncertain. Her absence ensures she will not be adding to her 11-win total until at least the next scheduled tournament entry.
The takeaway
Raducanu's reliance on psychological guidance from past champions underscores the mental hurdles that come with returning to elite sports. Her choice to prioritize rest over immediate participation signals a long-term approach to salvaging her professional standing.
Further reading
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