Jessica Pegula Advances as Zhu Lin Retires Amid Health Concerns at Miami Open

American tennis player Jessica Pegula, seeded fifth in the Miami Open, progressed to the third round on Saturday following an early retirement by her opponent Zhu Lin. Zhu, facing health issues, retired from the match while trailing 6-4, 4-1 against Pegula.

The Miami Open, already hampered by rain delays on Friday, faced further disruptions as play was delayed for three hours on Saturday. Despite the challenges, Pegula and Zhu were among the first players to take the court as organizers worked to regain lost time.

Zhu, aiming for her maiden victory over a top-five ranked opponent, made a strong start, matching Pegula’s level of play and securing an early break. However, her momentum proved fleeting as Pegula capitalized on opportunities, breaking Zhu’s serve to claim the first set.

In the second set, Pegula continued her dominance, racing to a commanding 3-0 lead. Although Zhu managed to hold her serve at 3-1, signs of distress became apparent as she approached the bench during the changeover and requested medical assistance.

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A medical timeout ensued, during which a doctor assessed Zhu’s condition, including her blood pressure and heart rate, while she gestured towards her chest with her eyes closed. Following the evaluation and a discussion with the chair umpire, the decision was made to call off the match, with Pegula showing concern for her opponent’s well-being.

Looking ahead, Pegula’s next challenge in the tournament will be against Canadian player Leylah Fernandez. Fernandez secured her spot in the third round with an impressive performance, converting all six of her break opportunities en route to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Colombian Emiliana Arango.

As the Miami Open progresses, Pegula’s advancement and Zhu’s retirement underscore the unpredictable nature of tennis competitions, where physical well-being plays a crucial role in determining outcomes on the court.