"I suffered a heatstroke"- Jelena Ostapenko issues emotional apology after joining Emma Raducanu in retiring mid-match amid brutal Wuhan conditions

Jelena Ostapenko has issued an apology to her fans after withdrawing from the Wuhan Open on Tuesday. The Latvian threw in the towel against Sorana Cirstea in the first round while trailing 6-0, 2-1.

The former French Open champion announced on social media that she had withdrawn after suffering from heatstroke in the challenging playing conditions.

"It was a tough day - I suffered a heat stroke today," Ostapenko wrote. "Thank you, China, for the atmosphere, emotions, and incredible energy from the crowd. I'm truly sorry that I had to finish the match this way. Thank you to all my Chinese fans- I'll be back stronger next time."

Jelena Ostapenko shares an update on Instagram - Image Source: @jelena.ostapenko Instagram

Ostapenko has struggled to find her form over the last few months, suffering nearly exits in New York, Guadalajara, and Beijing.

Apart from Ostapenko, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu also struggled to cope with the intense heat and humidity in China. The Brit retired from her first-round match against Ann Li after winning just 2 of the first 12 games.

Swiatek and Raducanu drew attention to the sweltering conditions through posts on social media.

Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu at the Wuhan Open - Image Source: @Swiatek & @Raducanu Instagram

Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, who lost in the second round, likened the conditions to that of a sauna:

"Wuhan weather rly said: go play tennis in a sauna 😭 all love but holaayyyyy," Andreescu said.

Bianca Andreescu shares an update in the Wuhan Open - Image Source: @Andreescu Instagram

Andreescu has also entered the doubles event in Wuhan alongside Yuan Yue. The duo will face Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in the second round.

Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune echo Jelena Ostapenko’s comments over tough weather conditions in China

Djokovic receives help in the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters - Day 9 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune are currently competing in the Shanghai Masters. Rune was forced to see a doctor during his fourth-round encounter against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

"Do you want a player to die on the court?" Rune said via BBC. "We can handle a certain amount of heat because we’re strong and mentally strong as well, but there is always a limit. It’s also important to take care of your health. We need to survive."

Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic called the weather conditions "brutal."

"It’s the same for every player out on the court. It’s brutal when you have over 80 percent of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they’re playing during the day with heat, with sun, it’s even more brutal," Djokovic said via ESPN.

Djokovic and Rune are through to the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. The Serb will take on Zizou Bergs, and Rune will face Valentin Vacherot on Thursday.