Persistent rain disrupted the 2025 Korea Open in Seoul on Tuesday, September 16, halting several key matches, including those of British star Emma Raducanu and American standout Caty McNally. Fans hoping to see Raducanu’s return to the WTA 500 event were let down as her first-round match against Jaqueline Cristian was postponed to Wednesday. Likewise, McNally’s intense battle with Diana Shnaider, deadlocked at one set each, was paused, leaving players and spectators frustrated by the altered schedule. The weather chaos upended the tournament’s flow, but a loaded Wednesday lineup has heightened anticipation for a dynamic resumption.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and No. 8 seed, came to Seoul to capitalize on a strong hard-court season, despite a third-round defeat to Elena Rybakina at the US Open. Her choice to skip the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen for the Korea Open stirred discussion, with some supporting her focus on climbing from her No. 36 ranking, while others debated her national team commitment. “She’s shown she can deliver when it counts,” said former coach Mark Petchey, referencing her clay-court performance against France. Seoul offers Raducanu a chance to shine, with a potential second-round clash against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova on the horizon.
Rain delayed play early Tuesday, with a brief window allowing Krejcikova to dominate qualifier Tatiana Prozorova 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. But as McNally and Shnaider fought on Grandstand Court, tied at 6-2, 2-6, the rain returned. “The courts were nearly playable, but it’s pouring again,” an onlooker noted, echoing the frustration as organizers delayed play further. By 7:30 p.m. local time, with a 73% chance of rain persisting, officials canceled the day’s remaining matches. Raducanu’s match against Cristian is now slated for no earlier than 6 a.m. UK time Wednesday, following Anastasia Zakharova versus Sorana Cirstea on Centre Court.
McNally, a 23-year-old American known for doubles success, was locked in a tight singles match against Shnaider, displaying grit after a tough season. The suspension left their contest unresolved, heightening the day’s tension. Other postponed matches included Beatriz Haddad Maia versus Dayeon Back and Suzan Lamens versus Tatjana Maria, with doubles also shifted to Wednesday. The packed schedule sets up an action-filled day, with top seed Iga Swiatek in Raducanu’s quarter adding excitement.
Raducanu’s work with new coach Francisco Roig, previously with Rafael Nadal, has shown early promise, with the duo seen analyzing Swiatek’s practice in Seoul. “It’s only been three weeks, but we’re making progress,” Raducanu said, highlighting her improved serve, which delivered 11 aces in her recent victory over Yue Yuan. The delay tests her resilience, especially after a 2024 Seoul injury forced her retirement against Daria Kasatkina. “It’s tough to get injured late in a tournament,” Kasatkina noted, wishing her well.
For McNally, the pause disrupts a chance to regain singles momentum after reaching the 2025 US Open mixed doubles semifinals with Jack Draper. Her match against rising star Shnaider is pivotal. With better weather forecast for Wednesday, fans await both players’ return. Despite a small, rain-soaked crowd, the rescheduled matches promise intense competition. Raducanu and McNally, each seeking a breakthrough, will headline a tournament ready to erupt with drama under clearer skies.
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