AUCKLAND, Dec 31, (V7N) – Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Auckland Classic due to a back injury, casting doubt on her preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.

Raducanu, the sixth seed in Auckland, cited a "back niggle" as the reason for her withdrawal and will now travel to Melbourne to begin rehabilitation.

"I've tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I've picked up a back niggle and I won't be ready in time," said the 22-year-old British player, currently ranked 56th in the world.

This marks another setback for Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries since her breakout win at the US Open three years ago. She has enlisted fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura to help manage the physical demands of professional tennis.

Injury-Plagued Journey

Raducanu missed much of 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries and recently recovered from a foot injury that sidelined her for two months.

Her Auckland withdrawal follows that of fifth seed Elise Mertens, a former Australian Open semi-finalist, who pulled out hours before her first-round match due to injury.

"I am sorry not to play my singles due to an injury," said Mertens, ranked 34th.

Both players have been replaced in the draw by qualifiers.

Focus Shifts to Melbourne

With less than two weeks until the Australian Open, Raducanu’s immediate focus will be on recovery. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can regain the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.

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