Paula Badosa retires early again after losing first set to Daria Kasatkina

Paula Badosa retired midway through her Ningbo Open clash with Daria Kasatkina in what seemed to be another fitness setback for the tennis star. The Spaniard was seen having her blood pressure checked and decided to withdraw after losing the first set 6-4.

It is the second tournament in a row that Badosa has withdrawn from. She her first match against Ajla Tomljanovic, citing a gastrointestinal illness.

The former world No. 2 had much more success at the Ningbo Open, reaching the semi-final after a promising victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia in the previous round. However, she was forced out midway through her clash with Kasatkina.

Strong serving from the Russian helped her edge the first set, during which play was momentarily paused due to rain. At the end of the set, it was announced that Badosa had opted to take a medical timeout.

She was given treatment by medics, which included having her blood pressure taken. Moments later, Badosa was seen shaking hands with the umpire before it was declared that she had retired from the match. Kasatkina will now progress to the final.

The 26-year-old's withdrawal from the Wuhan Open last week came after social media post. A picture on Instagram showed Badosa with chopsticks in her hands, being used to pull her eyes back - which drew criticism from fans.

Badosa initially responded to accusations of racism by writing: "We weren't even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles."

She continued: "I love Asia ... and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest."

However, she later apologised and her coach, Pol Toledo - who posted the photo - deleted the post. Badosa said: "Hey guys! Really sorry, didn't know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake.

"I take full responsibility. These mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand."

Meanwhile, Kasatkina will face either Mirra Andreeva or Karolina Muchova in the Ningbo Open final. The second semi-final began soon after Badosa's withdrawal, with Andreeva taking the first set.

Later today, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other for the final time in the Six Kings Slam third-place play-off. Both tennis icons lost their semi-finals, against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively. Alcaraz and Sinner will face each other in the final.