Sports · Tennis · 1 hr ago
Serena Williams retired from her only Wuhan Open match in 2014
Serena Williams played at the Wuhan Open in China only once, in 2014, the tournament’s first year.
She entered as the world’s top-ranked player and had recently won her 18th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
After a first-round bye, she faced France’s Alizé Cornet in the second round.
Cornet had beaten Williams twice earlier that year, including at Wimbledon.
Williams was leading 6-5 in the first set when she received medical attention, then retired because of a viral illness, saying she felt dizzy and nauseous.
She apologised to fans and said she hoped to return, but never played at the Wuhan Open again.
The tournament returned to the WTA Tour after a four-year absence, but Williams is not competing in its 2026 edition.
Serena Williams retired from her only Wuhan Open match in 2014 after feeling dizzy and nauseous.
Williams was the world number one and top seed at the tournament’s inaugural edition.
She was leading 6-5 against France’s Alize Cornet in the first set when she received medical attention.
Williams retired because of a viral illness, handing Cornet the win.
Although Williams said she hoped to return in 2015, she never played at the Wuhan Open again.
- Who
- Serena Williams and Alize Cornet.
- What
- Williams retired from her only Wuhan Open match after falling ill, giving Cornet the win.
- When
- 2014, during the inaugural Wuhan Open.
- Where
- Wuhan, China.
- Why
- Williams retired because of a viral illness after feeling dizzy and nauseous.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I’m sorry to all the fans in Wuhan that I had to retire from my match against Alize today
I felt dizzy and nauseous in the first set and unfortunately couldn’t continue.
The tournament organisers have done an amazing job preparing the facilities for this year’s event and I really hope to come back to the Wuhan Open in 2015.
Williams entered the inaugural Wuhan Open as the world number one and top seed.
Williams faced Alize Cornet after receiving an automatic bye.
Williams received medical attention while leading Cornet 6-5.
Williams retired because of a viral illness, giving Cornet the win.
- Tournament
- Inaugural Wuhan Open, held in 2014
- Williams’s ranking
- World number one
- Opponent
- Alize Cornet, ranked world number 21 at the time
- Score at medical attention
- Williams led 6-5 in the first set
- Reason for retirement
- Viral illness
Sources
Related news
Zheng Qinwen wins China Open for first title in two years
Arthur Gea beats Ben Shelton in straight sets at Shanghai Masters
Djokovic loses to Hurkacz in Shanghai three days after Beijing title
Alcaraz beats Cerundolo in Shanghai after debuting team moustache pact
Mertens beats Swiatek to reach China Open semifinals
Zheng Qinwen reaches China Open final against Mirra Andreeva
Mouratoglou praises Alcaraz’s resilience after Tokyo title
Djokovic remains in contention for ATP Finals after Shanghai loss
Alex Eala to face Han Shi in Wuhan Open first round
Jimmy Connors says off-court distractions may be affecting Sabalenka
Readers back Alcaraz to win his first Shanghai Masters title
