Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Auckland Classic due to a “back niggle,” marking another setback in her preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12. The 22-year-old Briton announced her withdrawal on Tuesday and will now travel to Melbourne to focus on rehabilitation.
“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 won’t be ready in time,” Raducanu said.
This adds to the growing list of injuries Raducanu has faced since her breakthrough 2021 US Open victory. She is working closely with fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura in hopes of improving her durability on the professional circuit.
Injuries Continue to Plague Raducanu’s Career
Raducanu’s latest issue follows a challenging 2023 season where she underwent wrist and ankle surgeries and missed two months due to a foot injury. Currently ranked 56th in the world, the young star is seeking to regain her form and fitness for the year’s first Grand Slam.
Auckland Classic Highlights
The tournament has also seen other notable withdrawals, with second-seeded Elise Mertens pulling out just hours before her first-round match. Meanwhile, top-seeded Madison Keys navigated windy conditions to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in her season opener.
| Notable Results in Auckland | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Madison Keys def. Lucia Bronzetti | 6-4, 6-4 (Straight Sets) |
| Sofia Kenin def. Wang Xiyu | 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 |
| Jaqueline Cristian def. Yuliia Starodubtseva | Retired during the second set |
- Keys will face Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in the next round.
- Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin advanced with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 win over Wang Xiyu and is set to play fifth-seeded Clara Tauson in the second round.
Raducanu’s withdrawal underscores the challenges she faces in reclaiming her peak form. Her focus now shifts to recovery in Melbourne, where she hopes to be fit in time for the Australian Open, a crucial tournament as she aims to climb back up the rankings.
