As sweltering temperatures continue to grip the Wuhan Open, Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu has become the latest player to speak out about the extreme heat and humidity in the Chinese city. Following similar complaints from top seeds Emma Raducanu and Iga Świątek, the 2019 US Open champion offered fans a raw glimpse into the court’s intense conditions.
What Have Bianca Andreescu, Iga Świątek and Emma Raducanu Said About the Wuhan Conditions?
The Wuhan Open, part of the WTA’s China swing, has been battling oppressive weather all week. Temperatures have soared to nearly 95°F, and humidity levels have made it feel even hotter.
The stifling conditions have temporarily forced tournament organizers to suspend play on the outer courts and take emergency steps to protect players and staff. Matches on Center Court have continued under the roof, where the indoor environment offers relief.
Andreescu, who is making her debut appearance in Wuhan, decided to show her followers what playing in those conditions really feels like. In a short clip posted to her Instagram stories, she filmed herself wringing out a soaked sock after a training session. With a touch of humor, Andreescu captioned the post, “Wuhan weather rly said: go play tennis in a sauna all love but holaayyyyy.”
Andreescu’s candid post followed earlier reactions from Raducanu and Świątek, who also highlighted how the sweltering weather was testing their endurance. World No. 2 Świątek shared a sweaty practice photo captioned “hot,” and a short video where she wrung out her drenched T-shirt. Raducanu posted a screenshot of Wuhan’s weather forecast on Threads, hinting at how brutal it felt on court.
The Brit’s concerns proved well-founded, as Raducanu was forced to retire from her opening match against American Ann Li in concerning circumstances. Her first-round clash came to an abrupt end, as she retired while trailing 6-1, 4-1. As the second set progressed, Raducanu’s condition visibly worsened. She appeared dizzy and fatigued and often slumped in her chair during changeovers.
The medical team was called to court to check her blood pressure and temperature before she ultimately decided to retire, shaking hands with Li at the net.
How Has Andreescu Fared in Her Wuhan Open Campaign So Far?
Andreescu’s Wuhan campaign has seen mixed results so far. Her singles run ended earlier than hoped, with a second-round qualifying loss to Anastasia Zakharova. However, she remains alive alongside local player Yue Yuan in the doubles draw.
The pair opened their account with a win against the Chinese duo of Wang Xiyu and Tang Qianhui, setting up a second-round clash with the tournament’s top-seeded team of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.
