Emma Raducanu’s preparations for the Australian Open have suffered a blow after the British tennis star withdrew from the Auckland Classic on Tuesday due to a back niggle. Raducanu, seeded sixth in the tournament, has opted to travel to Melbourne to begin rehabilitation ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam, which starts on January 12.
“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time,” said the 22-year-old.
This is the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the former US Open champion, who has been working with renowned fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura to improve her physical resilience.
Raducanu, ranked 56th in the world, missed most of the 2023 season due to wrist and ankle surgeries and recently returned from a two-month layoff caused by a foot injury.
Her withdrawal from Auckland leaves her short on match practice as she gears up for the Australian Open.
Raducanu isn’t the only top player sidelined in Auckland. Elise Mertens, a former Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 34, pulled out hours before her first-round match due to an unspecified injury.
“I am sorry not to play my singles due to an injury,” Mertens said. “I wish the tournament all the best and hope to be back next year.”
Both players have been replaced in the draw by qualifiers.
