Johanna Konta expects Emma Raducanu to target US Open return

Ewan West
Emma Raducanu in action
Emma Raducanu looking to make a comeback

Former world No 4 Johanna Konta believes Emma Raducanu will target a return to action in time for this year’s US Open.

The 31-year-old, who retired in 2021 after having her own injury troubles, thinks her British compatriot will be keen to come back as soon as possible.

Raducanu revealed last week in posts on her social media accounts that she would be undergoing surgeries on both wrists and her ankle.

The 2021 US Open champion has played just 10 matches across five tournaments so far in 2023 and holds a 5-5 record.

The 20-year-old suffered an ankle injury which forced her to retire during her second round match in Auckland in January in her first event of the season.

Raducanu then lost in the second round of the Australian Open to Coco Gauff, before next competing in Indian Wells almost two months later.

There, she achieved her best result of 2023 to date by winning three matches to reach the last 16, where she was beaten by Iga Swiatek.

Raducanu lost in the opening round in Miami and Stuttgart to Bianca Andreescu and Jelena Ostapenko respectively at her two tournaments since.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Konta discussed Raducanu’s recent operations and when the British star might aim to return to the tour.

“I mean it completely depends on what was actually done in the surgery because you know, there’s big surgeries and then there’s very minor procedures as well,” Konta said.

“So I don’t think we’re fully aware of what she got done on her wrist and she also said she was getting something done on her ankle. So again, that’s two separate surgeries so that could take more time as well. I think she’ll want to get back on court as soon as she can.

“I think if she can come back for the US Open, she will. Now whether her body will allow that, whether her rehab course, her rehab programme will allow that, I think will remain to be seen.

“I think as a player, you want to come back as soon as possible, you want to put in the work to be able to be back on tour, playing tournaments, because that’s where you want to be. So I don’t think she will be taking any extra time out just for the sake of it.”

Former British No 1 Konta won four WTA titles and reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon during her career.

READ MORE: Former British No 1 with a message for Emma Raducanu’s critics

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