Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is gearing up for a triumphant return to the tennis world after a lengthy hiatus. Her comeback is slated for the first week of January in Auckland, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement.
The 21-year-old British sensation has been conspicuously absent from the courts since her unfortunate 6-2, 6-1 loss to Jelena Ostapenko in Stuttgart back in April. This extended break from the game has seen Raducanu’s world ranking plummet to a surprising 296, a stark contrast to her once-glorious standing.
However, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation as Raducanu has been granted a wildcard entry into the prestigious ASB Classic in Auckland. She’s set to rub shoulders with other luminaries of the sport, including the illustrious US Open champion Coco Gauff and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. The women’s tournament at the Auckland Classic is scheduled to unfold from January 1st to 7th, marking an exhilarating start to the tennis calendar.
While Raducanu has faced a challenging journey back to the court, her determination shines through. The setback saw her undergo three operations, with her hands and left ankle receiving much-needed surgical attention. Her hand troubles, stemming from a bone close to her wrists, had been haunting her since the conclusion of the 2022 season.
In a turn of events, Raducanu’s extended absence grants her the privilege of utilizing a protected ranking of 103. This ranking reflects her standing at the conclusion of the Madrid Open, her last tournament before the hiatus. Unfortunately, this ranking falls just short of securing an automatic entry into the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year commencing on January 14th. Consequently, Raducanu is primed to navigate the qualifying rounds, unless Tennis Australia extends a wildcard offer or a handful of players withdraw.
Raducanu’s return to action was momentarily delayed as she pulled out of a December exhibition match in Macau due to lingering doubts about her readiness. Nonetheless, she fulfilled sponsor obligations in Hong Kong and is anticipated to resume her preparations at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in London in the coming days.
Over the past eight weeks, Raducanu has demonstrated remarkable progress during training sessions with LTA staff at the NTC. Nevertheless, her support team for the upcoming season remains a work in progress.
If Raducanu secures a direct entry into the Australian Open, it opens the door to other potential tournaments. Events in Hobart and Adelaide precede the Australian Open by a week, providing an enticing opportunity. Additionally, Raducanu might be tempted by the prospect of participating in exhibition matches at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne.
As the tennis world eagerly awaits Raducanu’s return, her journey promises to be one filled with resilience, determination, and the potential for a stunning comeback. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable athlete’s path to redemption on the tennis courts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raducanu Tennis Comeback
Q: Why has Emma Raducanu been absent from tennis since April?
A: Emma Raducanu has been out of action since April due to injuries that required three surgeries. She faced hand pain caused by a bone near her wrists and also had surgery on her left ankle, which she injured in Auckland earlier in the year.
Q: What is Emma Raducanu’s current world ranking?
A: Emma Raducanu’s world ranking has fallen to 296 during her absence from the game, primarily due to her extended break and the surgeries she underwent.
Q: How is Raducanu planning to make her comeback?
A: Raducanu has been granted a wildcard entry into the ASB Classic in Auckland in January. If she doesn’t secure direct entry into the Australian Open, she’ll need to navigate the qualifying rounds.
Q: Is Raducanu in good shape for her return?
A: Raducanu has been making positive progress during her training sessions with LTA staff at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in London over the past eight weeks, indicating she’s on the right track for her comeback.
Q: What other tournaments might Raducanu participate in?
A: If Raducanu doesn’t need to qualify for the Australian Open, she could consider participating in events in Hobart and Adelaide, which precede the Australian Open by a week, or exhibition matches at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne.
More about Raducanu Tennis Comeback
- Emma Raducanu’s Official Website
- ASB Classic Official Website
- Australian Open Official Website
- LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) Official Website
- Madrid Open Official Website
- Kooyong Classic Official Website
5 comments
Emma Raducanu’s big comeback, can’t wait 4 her return!
Tennis and movies, my 2 fav things! Raducanu’s comeback is exciting
Raducanu’s return is like a music concert, full of anticipation!
OMG! Her ranking dropped so much, hope she does well in Auckland
Wonder if she’ll use tech to help her game, gadgets in tennis!