Chinese netizens have hailed Peng Shuai as the “pride” of the country after a heat-related illness ended her US Open dream, with fans extolling her journey from childhood heart surgery to grand slam semi-final.

Social media users in China said Peng’s collapse against Caroline Wozniacki on Friday brought back memories of compatriot Li Na’s defeat in the 2013 Australian Open final when she smashed her head on the floor.

Peng, 28, was seeking to follow Li and become only the second Chinese player to reach a grand slam final. However, the bid finished with her being taken from the court in agony, in tears, and in a wheelchair.

Peng was trailing Denmark’s Wozniacki 7-6 (7/1) 4-3 when she left Arthur Ashe Stadium to seek treatment – believed then to be for cramping – and play was held up for 10 minutes.

She returned, but soon collapsed and was escorted away.

Peng’s withdrawal was one of the most discussed topics on Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging service similar to Twitter.

“Hang in there, Shuaishuai,” one post read, referring to the star affectionately by repeating her name twice.

“You are the pride of the Chinese people!”

Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily praised Peng in a comment on its Sina Weibo account, saying “there is no loser today … thank you, Shuaishuai, you tried your best!”

Peng, from central China’s Hunan province, began playing aged eight, but a childhood heart defect meant she could not overexert herself.

Against family wishes, she decided to have a complicated operation at the age of 12 in hopes of continuing her dream.

That health battle was on the minds of some spectators.

“I felt moved to tears for her when I thought how she was trying so hard and that she once had heart surgery,” one user posted.

Other users expressed surprise at how the match ended and sympathy and concern for Peng.

“Hope she is fine,” it added, followed by three icons showing hands folded in prayer. “She’s really great!”

Some netizens were less understanding.

“Losing is losing,” one such post read. “Why say she would obtain the crown if she wasn’t hurt? Could it be that other people win because they are healthy?”