Emma Raducanu has elected to pull out of another warm-up match ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, drawing fears about how ready she will be for the Grand Slam.
The Brit made her return to tennis after nearly nine months out at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She won her opening match back, but Raducanu then lost a close second-round contest with Elina Svitolina.
The 21-year-old was very positive about how her first tournament back went. She was set to play in two exhibition matches, and for later in the season Raducanu was also given a wildcard for the Abu Dhabi Open. Things were looking up for her.
Her first exhibition against Naomi Osaka was set to take place at the Australian Open venue. However, both Raducanu and Osaka withdrew from the exhibition match. It was a real shame since a contest between two Grand Slam winners would have been fascinating.
Raducanu was also scheduled to play a second exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic. Her fellow British Grand Slam champion Andy Murray was playing in Kooyong but lost to Marin Cilic. And there has now been an update about Raducanu's participation at the event.
Raducanu has withdrawn from her Kooyong Classic exhibition match. She was set to face Mirra Andreeva at the event. However, there is good news for Raducanu fans: her Australian Open participation is not thought to be in jeopardy by these withdrawals.
Raducanu had cited soreness after a practice session as the reason for pulling out of the Osaka match. It is believed that the Brit is just being cautious to ensure her Australian Open participation.
That is more than understandable. After taking too much time to get fit again, Raducanu should not do anything to jeopardize her health. Hopefully, she will not be lacking in match practice at the Australian Open, and can compete effectively.
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