Raducanu’s calendar features two remaining competitions for this year: the Pan Pacific Open, hosted in Tokyo, and the Hong Kong Open.
Francis Roig, contractually bound to coach Raducanu until the season concludes, is presently absent from Ningbo.
Throughout this WTA Tour season, Raducanu has participated in 50 matches, marking the highest number since her remarkable US Open victory in 2021.
The accumulating physical strain might be manifesting, evidenced by a decline in Raducanu’s agility as Zhu, a former top-40 player, prolonged the rallies, extending her time on the court.
Raducanu secured only 51% of points on her initial serve and a mere 38% on her secondary serve.
She swiftly established a 3-0 advantage and ultimately won the first set, despite experiencing four service breaks in the final five games.
She and Zhu exchanged service breaks early in the second set, after which Raducanu requested medical assistance. Following Zhu’s successful push to a decisive set, she exited the court.
Raducanu clutched at her back early in the third set after pursuing a forehand, and her error rate escalated as the match progressed.
Zhu is scheduled to compete against Mirra Andreeva, the top-seeded Russian player, in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
