Emma Raducanu to compete at new WTA event in Austin
WTA
Emma Raducanu's first tournament since the Australian Open could be at a new WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, in February.
Raducanu had a mixed Australian Open. She began with a comfortable victory against Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round, which set up a meeting against fellow young star Coco Gauff.
Gauff and Raducanu share similarities. Both broke through at very young ages and, because of that, have to manage increased attention, which cannot be easy for two players trying to focus on their games.
Raducanu played very good tennis in her battle with Gauff, but the American's patience in the rallies eventually paid off, and she triumphed 6-3, 7-6. Gauff went on to lose to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round.
Despite the disappointment of losing in the second round, Raducanu should take encouragement from how she performed in both matches in Melbourne. 2023 could be a year of progress if she stays near that level.
It is uncertain how much Raducanu will play at the tournaments in the Middle East in February. That means the ATX Open might not be her first event since the Australian Open, depending on how she manages her schedule.
The first edition of the ATX Open in Austin will begin on February 27, the week before the Indian Wells Open starts. Therefore, many high-level players will play at the WTA 250 tournament to prepare for Indian Wells.
ATX tournament director Christo Van Rensburg announced Raducanu's involvement and also mentioned some of the other high-caliber players the tournament has already attracted for the tournament.
We are thrilled that Emma, the youngest Grand Slam champion in the game today, will be coming to the ATX Open. We look forward to her joining Danielle, Sloane and Peyton for our inaugural tournament, and are very excited to know that we will be welcoming them to Austin in less than one month.- ATX Open director on Raducanu participating
