Emma Raducanu struck by tonsillitis, withdraws from Austin event

James Richardson
Emma Raducanu in action
Emma Raducanu on court

A case of tonsillitis has forced Emma Raducanu to withdraw from this week’s WTA tournament in Austin, Texas.

The British No 1’s 2023 season has been hampered by injury after she turned her ankle to end a promising run in Auckland.

The 20-year-old was scheduled to compete at the new tournament in Texas in what would have been her first outing since losing to Coco Gauff in the second round of the Australian Open.

However, Raducanu withdrew before the draw overnight having fallen ill.

“I’m sorry to have to withdraw from the ATX Open,” said Raducanu.

“I am currently suffering from tonsillitis and am unable to compete this week. Thank you to the tournament and the great hospitality here in Austin.”

The British No. 1 will stay in Austin and then travel to Indian Wells, California, before the Miami Open, according to Raducanu’s management.

The 20-year-old, who won the 2021 US Open, has dropped to 80th in the WTA rankings and missed the cut for Indian Wells’ women’s main draw, but she was given a wild card entrance into the WTA 1000 competition.

Sebastien Sachs is Raducanu’s fifth separate coach and the trainer with whom she is presently working.

Sachs, who has previously coached with Germany’s Julia Gorges and former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, also helped Belinda Bencic win the Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020.

A 16-team doubles field will also be present at the event, which will be the first WTA tournament to be staged in the United States during the 50th anniversary year of the women’s pro tour.

The ATX Open will get underway on 27 Ferbuary and conclude on 5 March.