Emma Raducanu returned to action at the Korea Open in Seoul this Wednesday. Her opening match brought more than just competitive tennis, as she faced both physical and mental challenges in her first-round encounter against Jaqueline Cristian. The 22-year-old showed her emotional side as she battled through difficult circumstances at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center.
What Did Emma Raducanu Say on Her Emotional Breakdown During Korea Open 1R Clash?
Raducanu was spotted in tears during her first set against Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian on Wednesday. The British No. 1 broke down emotionally when the match score reached 3-3 in the opening set. She had been struggling early in the match and found herself 1-3 down at a point.
After her victory, Raducanu explained what happened during those difficult moments.
“Super happy to have won today’s tough match. This first-round match finally took place after three days of anticipation. Because of the rain, we couldn’t practice or play properly. It wasn’t easy. Entering the match suddenly (due to the weather) and playing the match, my adrenaline and energy felt somewhat ordinary,” the Brit said.
Before concluding, she embraced the positive result and said:
“I had to fight these emotions mid-match, but I’m happy that we overcame the challenges and won.”
Raducanu praised her opponent for the challenge she provided, stating:
“Jaqueline is a really tough opponent and had great results recently. Tough conditions, very slow, long rallies, long points, so happy to have gotten through.”
“Suddenly playing the match, my adrenaline and energy felt somewhat ordinary.
I had to fight these emotions mid-match, but I’m happy that I overcame the challenges and won.”
– Emma Raducanuhttps://t.co/AfzeprwJNX pic.twitter.com/enbiUzUoVy— Raducanu News 🐝 (@RaducanuNews) September 17, 2025
Raducanu was forced to save 11 of 12 break points in what became a grueling first set. The tough conditions and long rallies took their toll on the former US Open champion.
How Did Raducanu Overcome Her Emotions to Win the Match?
The match had originally been scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back due to heavy rain that swept through Seoul. Multiple matches were suspended throughout the week because of persistent downpours in the Korean capital. When play finally began on Wednesday, both players had to deal with very slow court conditions caused by the weather.
Despite her early struggles and emotional breakdown, Raducanu showed great mental strength to turn things around. She came back from 3-1 down in the first set to win five games in a row and clinch it 6-3, with an hour already passed.
Emma Raducanu apareceu em lágrimas durante sua partida contra Jaqueline Cristian, provavelmente devido ao desgaste emocional e físico causado por um início lento, longos ralis e condições adversas após atrasos devido à chuva. Ela superou a situação e venceu por 6/3 e 6/4. pic.twitter.com/zbdV41WHi9
— Emma Raducanu 🇧🇷 (@raducanubrasil) September 17, 2025
The second set proved equally challenging for Raducanu, but she managed to break Cristian in the ninth game, which proved to be decisive, as she registered a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The Brit hit four aces and saved 12 break points throughout the match.
Raducanu will now face two-time Grand Slam singles champion Barbora Krejčíková in the second round. This will mark the first meeting between these two players on the WTA tour. Krejčíková, the 2024 Wimbledon champion, defeated Tatiana Prozorova 6-1, 6-2 to secure her place in the Round of 16.
