Saturday 6 September 2014 09:34, UK
Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the final of the US Open after opponent Shuai Peng was forced to retire when a set down.
The Dane was leading 7-6 4-3 and serving when Peng was struck down by what appeared to be a succession of cramps in both her legs.
The Chinese player tried to continue but, despite treatment from the trainer at the back of the court, eventually had to leave the arena to receive a ten-minute medical time-out.
She returned but was only able to play a further five points before collapsing in agony once again and subsequently retired before being taken from the court in a wheelchair in tears.
Wozniacki commented afterwards: "It was very difficult. You're out here and you want to battle and finish off properly. I just feel sorry for Peng, she played really well. It was really hot. Unfortunately she fell ill and I hope she'll be okay."
The Dane reached her only previous slam final in New York in 2009, losing to Kim Cllijsters, and added: "I have goose bumps right now. It's been five years since I've been in the final here so it's incredible to be back."
Peng had never even made a slam quarter-final in singles before this tournament, but everything clicked in New York and she reached the last four without having dropped a set.
Close first set
The 28-year-old gave a fine account of herself in the first set and twice served for it, only to be broken back on both occasions by her rival.
She won the first point of the subsequent tie-break, but Wozniacki then capitalised on a series of errors from her rival and eventually ended up winning it convincingly 7-1.
Peng stepped into the court more at the start of the second set and got her reward with a 2-0 lead.
For the third time, Wozniacki broke straight back and a run of four straight games put her in control of the match.
It was while Wozniacki served at 4-3 that Peng's problems began, and the match was halted with Wozniacki facing break point.
Despite the lengthy delay, the Dane was not awarded either a point or the game, which would have been the normal procedure if Peng's problems were solely cramp.
The Chinese player looked tearful when she returned to the court and the match ended amid distressing scenes with Peng clearly in agony.
After receiving treatment, Peng said: "The doctor, she said to me, 'You are not able really go out to fight, compete, because your look is not really well.
"I said, 'No, no, no, I don't want to give up. I want to try one more time.' Then I come back. I know I'm not going to stay maybe too long but I just want to try. I just wanted to challenge her one more time."
