Emma Raducanu Discusses Back Issue After Medical Timeout During Australian Open Win
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Emma Raducanu's only concern after her Australian Open second-round victory against Amanda Anisimova was a back issue after she took a medical timeout in the second set. The WTA star spoke about the issue in a press conference.
Raducanu entered the Australian Open having not played any warmup tournaments because she withdrew from the ASB Classic with a back spasm sustained after bending down to tie her shoelace during practice.
That issue did not appear to bother her in the opening round against Ekaterina Alexandrova. Raducanu moved impressively throughout the match, which proved crucial in a 7-6, 7-6 victory against her big-serving opponent.
The 2021 US Open champion's athleticism was even more important against Anisimova, one of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour. Raducanu hit some incredible defensive shots to triumph 6-3, 7-5 on the Kia Arena.
Anisimova looked to be building some momentum after taking a 3-0 lead in the second set. Raducanu then suddenly took a medical timeout and had work done on her back throughout the break.
The match swung back in Raducanu's direction after that stoppage. Anisimova struggled to finish points off against her opponent's outstanding defense, and Raducanu prevailed after a very entertaining match.
Raducanu was asked about the medical timeout and her back problem in a press conference. The Briton revealed that she had not fully investigated the physical issue and was focused on her recovery before the Australian Open.
"I haven't fully investigated it yet. I just did my recovery and stuff and haven't seen the physios. I think it's almost to be expected when you haven't played a match in so long and then to have two really physical ones."
"I think small things were going to come up here and there, and I just hope it is that. Yeah, I was able to push past some pain today. I'm just going to try and recover as best as possible over the next day."
Raducanu had another question about the subject later in the press conference when she was asked whether she would be able to train as normal the day after her match against Anisimova. The 22-year-old said doing anything intense before the third round round was unlikely.
"I think I'll probably take it easy tomorrow. i'll probably have a light hit, nothing crazy. I played a lot of tennis today and two days ago. So, I don't think I need to overdo it on the practice court. Just to keep the body ticking over a little bit and recover. I can feel it a little bit, but I still have some time."
Although Raducanu played excellently against Anisimova, she will almost certainly need to be even better against five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the third round. Swiatek hammered Rebecca Sramkova in her previous match in Melbourne.
That makes Raducanu being as close to full fitness as possible absolutely critical to her chances. Swiatek, possibly the best athlete on the WTA Tour alongside Coco Gauff, is capable of exploiting any physical weaknesses her opponents have.
