Injury curse strikes again for former US Open champion Emma Raducanu

By SABC Sport
31st December 2024

Emma Raducanu decided to start her preparation for the Australian Open early but her plans have been thrown into disarray before a ball has been struck in the new season.

Just a few hours before Raducanu was due to play her opening match at the ASB Classic in Auckland, she confirmed a back problem had ended her hopes of taking on 20-year-old American Robin Montgomery in the first round.

A statement published on the WTA website from Raducanu confirmed her hopes of starting 2025 with a bang had been halted at first base.

"I've tried my best to be ready," Raducanu said in a statement. "I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I've picked up a back niggle and I won't be ready in time."

Raducanu will now fly to Melbourne to continue her preparations for the Australian Open, but there must be some doubts over whether she will be fit to play.

The tournament in Auckland was to be Raducanu's first since hiring renowned fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who she hopes will give her a chance to build up the physical strength required to compete on the WTA Tour.

Yet confirmation that she has pulled out with a 'niggle' will add to the cynical view that the 2021 US Open champion is reluctant to take to the court unless she is 100 per-cent injury free.

Raducanu pulled out of a host of tournaments in 2024 but still managed to climb to No 59 in the WTA Rankings despite her lack of competitive action.

Now her withdrawal from the tournament in New Zealand will cast doubts over whether she will play in the Australian Open, which gets underway in just two weeks' time.

This setback is a blow to Raducanu, who spoke last month about her desire to get on court more regularly in the new year.

"I feel like I'm in a pretty good place to just get on court as much as I can," said Raducanu.

"I feel really strong. I feel really fit. The only thing I can't really speak for is I haven't played that many matches. On the training court, I feel amazing. I feel like I'm running around, throwing myself around on the court, but it's different playing matches.

"I played a few (at Billie Jean King Cup) and I felt good. I felt like I recovered well. I wasn't tiring in the matches. It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I'm going to react."