Emma Raducanu’s opponent, Dayana Yastremska, has divided the tennis world after retiring injured only two points away from losing in Slovenia.
Raducanu bounced back from a disappointing US Open defence to defeat the Ukrainian 6-2, 5-3 at the Portoroz Open.
However, the controversy occurred with just two points remaining in the match.
Yastremska was 0-30 down, before an erratic forehand saw her racquet fly out of her hand.
The 22-year-old then clutched at her wrist.
Yastremska returned to her chair and called for the trainer mid-game.
And to the surprise of viewers, Yastremska deemed she could not continue and retired early.
This prompted a fierce debate on whether the 22-year-old should have returned for at least two more points.
Many tennis fans believed Yastremska robbed Raducanu of a straightforward victory.
Others defended the Ukrainian and said if she was in pain there was no need to continue.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Yastremska has caused controversy with a retirement close to the finish line.
During the Australian Open, Yasrtremska retired at 5-0 down in the third set and only a game away from losing against Madison Brengle.
Yastremska’s six career retirements have come when she is a breakdown and her opponent is about to win.
Yastremska is known to Australian tennis fans after travelling to Melbourne Park last year while on a provisional ban.
The 21-year-old eventually cleared her name over the doping incident but sparked more controversy after taking a medical time out (MTO) at a vital moment in her second round clash against Caty McNally at last year’s Southern & Western Open in Cincinnati.
Emma Raducanu praises opponent after match
Despite the controversy, Raducanu was classy in her post-match interview and said Yastremska is a fierce competitor on the WTA Tour.
“Obviously no one wants to win by retirement,” Raducanu said.
“But Dayana is an extremely ferocious competitor, so I knew it was going to be a tough match going in.”
Raducanu is the top seed at Portoroz and will be looking to bounce back from a brutal US Open campaign.
The British tennis ace has endured a tough year after winning the US Open in 2021.
She became just the third defending champion to be eliminated in the first round at Flushing Meadows this year.
To add insult to injury, Raducanu dropped 2,000 ranking points and fell down to World No.83.
