Tennis LIVE: Emma Raducanu visits doctors as star left in 'fight for survival'

Express Sport brings you the latest news, updates and goings-on from the tennis tours as the Shanghai Masters and Wuhan Open near the finish line.

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It's semi-finals day at both the Shanghai Masters and the Wuhan Open. Over in Shanghai, it's two former champions up against two cousins as four-time Shanghai winner Novak Djokovic meets Valentin Vacherot, the qualifier raked down at No. 204 in the world. Vacherot's cousin, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, is up against 2019 champ Daniil Medvedev.

There's a strong lineup in Wuhan, as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka meets Jessica Pegula in a rematch of their thrilling US Open semi-final, while Coco Gauff takes on Jasmine Paolini, who stunned Iga Swiatek in Friday's quarter-finals.

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Both tournaments have been a survival of the fittest, with players retiring and needing medical help while competing through brutally hot and humid conditions. Britain's Emma Raducanu was forced to call it quits in her opening match at the Wuhan Open, and she has since confirmed that she visited the doctors to help her recover.

And Magdalena Frech, who lost in the round of 16, has also taken issue with the conditions. In an impassionated statement, the world No. 53 said: "It's no longer a tennis match, just a fight for survival."

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3 mins ago14:10 Yasmin Syed

Sabalenka's perfect Wuhan record broken

Aryna Sabalenka has lost a match at the Wuhan Open for the first time in her career. The world No. 1 served for the match against Jessica Pegula but lost four games in a row, and Pegula had the chance to serve for it.

The American blew a match point, threw in way too many double faults and was eventually broken. But Pegula recovered to drop just two points in the tiebreak, sealing a 2-6 6-4 7-6(2) victory.

Sabalenka had a perfect 20-0 record in Wuhan coming into this match, lifting the trophy in 2018, 2019 and 2024. But Pegula has snapped her amazing streak.

9 mins ago14:04 Yasmin Syed

Tiebreak alert in Wuhan

Both Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula have now failed to serve out this semi-final match. Sabalenka was broken at 5-4, as Pegula won four games in a row to serve for a spot in the final herself.

But she hit her first double fault of the match on match point. She then hit two more at deuce, and her fourth double fault came while down break point. We’re going to a tiebreak in this rollercoaster match.

25 mins ago13:48 Yasmin Syed

Rinderknech forces a decider

Arthur Rinderknech lost the opening set of his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final to Daniil Medvedev 6-4. But he's just taken it up a notch and stormed through the second set 6-2.

We're still on for a family meeting in tomorrow's final, as Rinderknech's cousin Valentin Vacherot awaits the winner.

26 mins ago13:47 Yasmin Syed

Pegula gives herself a lifeline

Aryna Sabalenka has just served for a spot in the Wuhan Open final - but she's been broken!

Jessica Pegula suffered heartbreak when she blew three match points in last week's China Open semi-final, and she's not doing down without a fight this week.

It's now 5-5 in the third set.

36 mins ago13:37 Yasmin Syed

Vacherot worried about watching his cousin

All week long, cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech have been supporting one another in Shanghai and sitting in each other's boxes.

But that wasn't the case on Saturday, as Rinderknech had to prepare for his own semi-final match while Vacherot was busy causing a huge upset against Novak Djokovic.

Now, Vacherot is wary of going to watch his cousin in action, just in case he wins and they have to meet in tomorrow's final. He still wants to get on court, but he knows things will get tricky if they set up a showdown.

"I'm still going to have to do all the media, but as soon as I can, I think I want to go watch a little bit, of course, and see the end. Because if he wins, there's no chance I'm not going to be in the box for that moment," he smiled.

1 hour ago13:13 Yasmin Syed

Pegula levels the score

Jessica Pegula has forced a deciding set in her Wuhan Open semi-final match against Aryna Sabalenka.

The top seed took the first set 6-2 but Pegula has just closed out the second 6-4.

1 hour ago13:11 Yasmin Syed

Raducanu gets tough Ningbo draw

The draw for next week's Ningbo Open is out, and Emma Raducanu faces a tough challenge.

The British No. 1 will open her campaign against Zhu Lin, and the winner takes on top seed and last year's runner-up Mirra Andreeva.

Lingering in their section of the draw is Ekaterina Alexandrova, who will make her top-10 debut on Monday, former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and world No. 22 Karolina Muchova.

1 hour ago12:55 Yasmin Syed

Medvedev pulls ahead

Daniil Medvedev, who won the Shanghai Masters in 2019, is set away from Sunday's final.

The No. 16 seed has taken a 6-4 lead over Arthur Rinderknech in the semis.

If Rinderknech wants to join his brother, Valentin Vacherot, in the championship match, he'll have to come from behind.

2 hours ago12:30 Yasmin Syed

Sabalenka takes the lead

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has never lost a match at the Wuhan Open.

She came into her semi-final with a 20-0 record. And it seems her perfect run will be maintained, as she's come back from an early break down to take the first set 6-2 over Jessica Pegula, who looks fristrated.

2 hours ago12:22 Yasmin Syed

Djokovic refuses questions

Novak Djokovic refused to discuss his physical condition after suffering a shock 6-3 6-4 defeat to Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai semi-finals.

The No. 4 seed was battling what appeared to be a hip injury throughout the match, calling the physio and receiving a medical timeout. But he didn't want to talk about it after the match.

Djokovic also avoided a question about his schedule, instead making sure he gave Vacherot plenty of credit.

"It's all about him. I wish him all the best in the finals, and the better player won today," he stated.

Read the full story here

2 hours ago11:52 Yasmin Syed

Sabalenka vs Pegula underway

There's no rest for the wicked, as the tennis just keeps on coming.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is in action against Jessica Pegula in Wuhan, fighting for a spot to meet Coco Gauff in tomorrow's final.

Over in Shanghai, Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Rinderknech are warming up for their own semi-final. Rinderknech's cousin, Valentin Vacherot, has just stunned Novak Djokovic, and the Frenchman will be hoping to make it a family affair in the championship match.

3 hours ago11:41 Yasmin Syed

Vacherot speaks out after incredible win

World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot said it was one hour and 40 minutes of "pure joy" to face Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

After sealing a shock 6-3 6-4 victory, the qualifier added: "To beat him, I’m not realising, so I cannot put any words on it. This is crazy, I mean, crazy, is a good word!

"First of all, to be on the other side of the court was already an unbelievable experience. I think I’ve got so much to learn from this match, from him, and even from myself, I’ve got a lot to keep."

3 hours ago11:32 Yasmin Syed

Gauff into the final

Coco Gauff ended a run of a staggering 11 breaks of serve in her semi-final match against Jasmine Paolini when she held for 4-3 in the second set.

And she didn't drop another game after that, sealing a 6-4 6-3 victory in a rollercoaster match to reach tomorrow's Wuhan Open final.

3 hours ago11:27 Yasmin Syed

Vacherot stuns Djokovic

World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot has just picked up the win of his life, beating 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4 to reach the Shanghai Masters final!

Read the full match report here

3 hours ago11:09 Yasmin Syed

Raducanu arrives in Ningbo after doctor visit

According to the Ningbo Open's social channels, Emma Raducanu has arrived ahead of next week's WTA 500 tournament.

The British No. 1 retired from her opening match at the Wuhan Open citing 'dizziness' and continued to be seen by doctors in Wuhan, sharing an update on Threads.

But it seems she's still hoping to make her Ningbo Open debut after jetting to the city.

3 hours ago10:48 Yasmin Syed

Gauff takes the lead

Over in Wuhan, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini are tussling in the semi-finals.

Gauff has just taken a tight first set 6-4 after five consecutive breaks of serve.

4 hours ago10:40 Yasmin Syed

Djokovic survives gruelling game

Novak Djokovic is clearly hampered, he's limping around the court in between points, he even dropped to the ground after a gruelling rally.

But he's saved two break points to hold serve in a marathon 12-minute game to start the second set. Understandably, Djokovic immediately dunked his head into ice water as he changed ends.

4 hours ago10:25 Yasmin Syed

Vacherot takes first set

World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot is one set away from the biggest win of his career.

The qualifier has taken a 6-3 lead over Novak Djokovic in their Shanghai Masters semi-final.

Djokovic has called the physio again to get some extra treatment in this changeover.

4 hours ago10:14 Yasmin Syed

Djokovic calls physio after fall

Novak Djokovic started stretching out his hip at the start of the 3-3 game as the ATP physios watched on courtside, waiting to see whether he’d call them. The 38-year-old then lost his footing and fell on the court to go 0-30 down on Valentin Vacherot’s serve. He got up and continued to stretch, laughing when he took out a camera on the sidelines while putting his leg up.

Vacherot held to lead 4-3 and the physio immediately ran onto the court to tend to Djokovic. The Serb took his shirt off and immediately pointed to his hip.

A tournament doctor approached Djokovic's camp, appearing to discuss medication.

They decided to give Djokovic a full three-minute medical timeout, and the No. 4 seed lay on the floor on a towel to have his hip treated.

4 hours ago10:09 Yasmin Syed

Gauff and Paolini getting underway

It's semi-final Saturday in both Shanghai and Wuhan, and the first match is getting underway at the latter tournament.

Coco Gauff faces Jasmine Paolini for a spot in the Wuhan Open final.

4 hours ago09:53 Yasmin Syed

Special guests as Vacherot levels the score

World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot has made history this fortnight. He stormed through the qualifying draw to reach the last four in Shanghai, and became the first Monegasque player to make it to a quarter-final and semi-final of a Masters 1000 event.

So it's no surprise some special faces have flown in to watch him face Novak Djokovic in the semis.

Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, the president of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, is in Vacherot's box. The qualifier's fitness trainer has also jetted to Shanghai for the occasion.

And he's giving them a show! Vacherot has just broken back to level the score at 1-1.

4 hours ago09:47 Yasmin Syed

Strong start for Djokovic

It's the perfect start for Novak Djokovic in his semi-final match against Valentin Vacherot, as the No. 4 seed has broken in the very first game.

The fans inside the main stadium are already chanting 'Nole'. And he's giving them exactly what they want, taking an early lead.

5 hours ago09:33 Yasmin Syed

Another brutal day in Shanghai

We're just waiting for Novak Djokovic and Valentin Vacherot to take to the court in Shanghai, but it's another brutally hot day.

Temperatures are currently at 31 degrees Celsius but it 'feels like' 33 degrees, while humidity is 60 per cent.

Djokovic has been struggling in the heat this week, so it could be another tough day for the four-time former champion.

5 hours ago09:22 Yasmin Syed

What's at stake in Shanghai?

Novak Djokovic is about to take to the court to face Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the first semi-final.

Djokovic is seeking a record-extending sixth Shanghai Masters final. If he wins today, he'd also become the first man aged 38 or over to reach a Masters 1000 final.

Meanwhile, at No. 204 in the world, Vacherot could become the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history. He's already the first player from Monaco to reach a quarter and semi-final at this level.

5 hours ago08:57 Yasmin Syed

French Open champs reach Shanghai final

Two-time French Open champions Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz are through to the Shanghai Masters final to face Alex Michelsen and Andre Goransson.

The German duo defeated Manuel Guinard and Guido Andreozzi 6-3 7-6(8).

6 hours ago08:21 Yasmin Syed

Clijsters hospitalised after exhibition

Four-time Major winner Kim Clijsters has been hospitalised after rupturing her Achilles tendon while competing at the Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters, an invitational event for retired WTA players.

The former world No. 1 shared a video from her hospital bed to Instagram and said: "In the next two weeks, I'll be in this boot. Very annoying injury.

"Obviously I didn't think that after I would be retired that I would have a big, serious injury like this, but it is what it is, so can't wait to get to the States and be with Brian and the kids, and start my recovery."

6 hours ago07:58 Yasmin Syed

Medvedev won't have 'chances' against Rinderknech

Former Shanghai Masters champion Daniil Medvedev takes on Arthur Rinderknech in the last four. This is Rinderknech's first-ever Masters 1000 semi-final, but Medvedev knows he will be a dangerous opponent.

The No. 16 seed said: "Yeah, he's a very tough opponent. He's the type of player that when his game is on he can beat anyone. His serve is amazing, he hits the ball great.

"So he's not the type of player where, as I say, when his game is on you know that you're still going to have some chances, rallies.

"He's going to try to finish the point in two shots, so I'm going to try to do the same, and just play good and see how it goes."

7 hours ago07:24 Yasmin Syed

Frech hits out at conditions after 'fight for survival'

Magdalena Frech has taken to social media to share a lengthy statement about the brutal conditions in Wuhan after losing her round of 16 match to Laura Siegemund, 6-4 7-6(2).

The Polish tennis star explained that the "extreme conditions" affected her health, something she had to put first.

"In response to the avalanche of negative ratings and comments after the last game, I would like to inform you that sometimes I regret it, but I am not a machine. Although I have the impression that the organisers treat us like this when setting a game plan," Frech wrote.

"Overpowering lack of energy and constant struggle of negative thoughts that tried to stop my body from another effort. Hitting the ball into the court was a great challenge. It's no longer a tennis match, just a fight for survival!"

Read the full story here

7 hours ago07:19 Yasmin Syed

Raducanu visits doctors

Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her first-round match in Wuhan on Tuesday, citing dizziness. The Brit trailed Ann Li 6-1 4-1 when she called the medical team to the court.

Raducanu had an examination, with her blood pressure and temperature checked, while they also looked in her pupils. She decided to retire there and then, and has now revealed that she continued to visit the doctors in Wuhan.

"last day at the doctor’s in Wuhan… feeling better now, shame i couldn’t continue there but thank you for the messages," she wrote on Threads, alongside a photo of herself perched on a hospital bed.

Read the full story here

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