Emma Raducanu’s preparations for the Australian Open have suffered a setback as the former US Open champion withdrew from the Auckland Classic on Tuesday due to a "back niggle." The British player, currently ranked 56th in the world, announced that she would head to Melbourne to begin rehabilitation ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here,” Raducanu stated. “But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and won’t be ready in time.” The 22-year-old has been plagued by injuries since her breakthrough victory at the US Open in 2021. This latest setback adds to a string of physical issues, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023 and a foot injury that recently sidelined her for two months.
To enhance her physical resilience, Raducanu has been traveling with renowned fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura. Despite her efforts, the injury highlights the challenges she continues to face in maintaining consistent fitness on the WTA Tour.
In other news from the Auckland Classic, Elise Mertens, a former Australian Open semifinalist and the tournament's second seed, also withdrew on Tuesday, just hours before her opening match. Meanwhile, top seed Madison Keys navigated challenging conditions to secure a solid 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti. Keys, ranked 21 in the world, expressed relief at starting her season on a strong note, saying, “Lucia is one of those players who makes you play shot after shot. It’s great for confidence this early in the season.”
The 29-year-old American will next face Romanian Jaqueline Cristian, whose opponent retired mid-match. Additionally, former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin advanced with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 win over China’s Wang Xiyu, setting up a second-round clash.
As the Australian Open looms, Raducanu and her team will be hoping her rehabilitation allows her to compete at the year’s first Grand Slam.
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