The 2025 Korea Open in Seoul was thrown into disarray on Tuesday, September 16, as relentless rain forced the suspension of several high-profile matches, including those of British star Emma Raducanu and American talent Caty McNally. Fans who had eagerly awaited Raducanu’s return to the WTA 500 event were left disappointed as her first-round clash against Jaqueline Cristian was postponed until Wednesday. Similarly, McNally’s gripping battle with Diana Shnaider, tied at one set apiece, was halted, leaving players and spectators grappling with a disrupted schedule. The unexpected weather chaos has reshaped the tournament’s rhythm, but with a packed Wednesday lineup, anticipation is building for a thrilling resumption of play.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and the tournament’s eighth seed, arrived in Seoul aiming to build on a promising hard-court season, despite a challenging third-round loss to Elena Rybakina at the US Open. Her decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen to focus on the Korea Open sparked debate, with some praising her ambition to climb the rankings—currently at No. 36—while others questioned her commitment to national duty. “It’s very easy to come down on the side that you should want to represent your country,” said former coach Mark Petchey, defending her choice. “When you look back at what she achieved on clay against France, she proved that when she’s put up against it, she can produce the goods.” For Raducanu, Seoul is a proving ground, with a potential second-round matchup against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova looming.
The rain began its assault early Tuesday, delaying play until mid-afternoon. A brief window allowed Krejcikova to complete her match, dismantling qualifier Tatiana Prozorova 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. However, as McNally and Shnaider battled on Grandstand Court, locked at 6-2, 2-6, the skies opened again. “The courts were almost dry, and now it’s raining again in Seoul,” an observer lamented, capturing the frustration as organizers announced a further hour-long delay. By 7:30 p.m. local time, with a 73% chance of rain forecast into the evening, officials called off play entirely, rescheduling all remaining matches. Raducanu’s match against Cristian is now set for no earlier than 6 a.m. UK time on Wednesday, following Anastasia Zakharova versus Sorana Cirstea on Centre Court.
McNally, a 23-year-old American known for her doubles prowess, was in the midst of a competitive singles match against Shnaider, showcasing her resilience after a challenging season. The suspension left their contest tantalizingly poised, adding to the drama of a rain-soaked day. Other matches affected included Beatriz Haddad Maia versus Dayeon Back and Suzan Lamens versus Tatjana Maria, with doubles action also pushed to Wednesday. The revised schedule promises a hectic day, with top seed Iga Swiatek’s presence in Raducanu’s quarter adding intrigue to the tournament’s progression.
Raducanu’s preparation has been bolstered by her new coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, formerly of Rafael Nadal’s team. The pair was spotted studying Swiatek’s practice session in Seoul, a sign of Raducanu’s determination to refine her game. “It’s only been three weeks, but it’s been a pretty successful three weeks,” Raducanu said of her work with Roig, noting improvements in her serve, which produced 11 aces in her recent win over Yue Yuan. The delay, however, tests her patience, especially after past injury setbacks in Seoul, including a foot issue that forced her retirement against Daria Kasatkina in 2024. “It’s a pity to get injured, especially in the deeper stages of the tournament,” Kasatkina had said, wishing Raducanu a speedy recovery.
For McNally, the suspension interrupts a chance to reassert herself in singles, having reached the US Open mixed doubles semifinals in 2025 alongside Jack Draper. Her match with Shnaider, a rising star, is a critical opportunity to gain momentum. As Seoul’s weather forecast improves for Wednesday, fans are eager for both players to resume their campaigns. The sparse crowd, braving the drizzle with umbrellas, reflected the disappointment, but the rescheduled matches promise a blockbuster day. Raducanu and McNally, each chasing their own redemption, will take center stage in a tournament now poised to deliver high-stakes drama under clearer skies.
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