Injury scare for Emma Raducanu as Australian Open warm-up match is cancelled
Emma Raducanu has suffered an injury scare ahead of the Australian Open after a planned exhibition match was cancelled.
The 21-year-old Briton had initially been due to play her fellow former US Open champion Naomi Osaka in a charity match inside Rod Laver Arena as part of her preparations for the first major of the year.
Japan’s Osaka, who herself recently returned to action for the first time since giving birth to daughter Shai last summer, then withdrew from the match and was replaced by world number 25 Donna Vekic.
Australian Open officials later announced the match was off, with Raducanu reported to have pulled out due to feeling “sore” following practice on Monday.
The former British No 1 is due to make her comeback at a major tournament in Melbourne after being sidelined for eight months following wrist and ankle operations.
Raducanu, who won at Flushing Meadows in 2021, reached the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland last week before losing to Elina Svitolina.
After that match, she spoke about her optimism ahead of the Australian Open as she pushed eventual finalist Svitolina close in an encouraging display.
“I’ve been training really well in practice so overall I’m feeling really good about my game,“ said 2021 US Open champion Raducanu.
“I think tennis wise I’m better than I was a year ago today, it’s just playing a match it’s going to be different.
“I got to spend a lot of time just thinking how I feel and I definitely got that hunger back just to be on the court competing, training, sweating. I think you really appreciate the time you have when you’re healthy and on court.
“I know it’s the start of a very long season for me and I’m looking forward to reflecting on the year and having this as a starting point.
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“With the limited time I’ve had in comparison to her, and in the gym, she’s been around a long time and achieved so much and I think she’s known on tour as one of the physically best players out there and end of second set and third set, I don’t think I really saw a second serve, so she really raised it when it mattered.
“But it for sure gives me a lot of confidence and looking forward to – in time with more matches, more practice, more gym sessions – seeing where I can go from there.”
The 2021 US Open champion was enthusiastic as she looked ahead to the season in front of her and was pleased with the attacking intent she played with.
“It’s of course pretty exciting for me. I’ve only played two matches and also my court time has been pretty limited. I’ve been training the last few months at the LTA, but I had a few setbacks with my wrists and ankles. So to be back up to speed after so little is a great sign,” Raducanu added.
“Of course I’m disappointed about today because I was a few points away and had a few forehands mid-court, but at least I took them. I think I’d regret it more if I just pushed it in and let her hit a winner, so at least it was on my terms.
“I’m looking forward to this season, it’s just the beginning. It’s week one – a lot more to come.“
