Emma Raducanu bows out of ASB Classic in tears with another injury, just days before Australian Open
Emma Raducanu has sadly had to retire from the ASB Classic in New Zealand after suffering yet another injury with the Australian Open just 11 days away. Absolute gutter.
The 20-year-old Brit was forced to pull out of her only warm-up games ahead of the first grand slam of the season, despite having kicked off her round of 16 match with an unstoppable 6-0 opening set and fighting hard against Viktória Kužmová, who took the second set 5-7.
However, Raducanu ultimately had to call it quits after rolling her left ankle and a lengthy medical break ended in the clearly emotional world no. 78 leaving the court in tears. We really feel for her.
This comes just two days after she grabbed her first win of 2023 in the Auckland series, declaring that she feels “stronger and better” than ever, with her New Year’s resolution being nothing more than staying fitter and healthier for longer. Heartbreaking.
The official ASB account took to Twitter to share their condolences with Radu, thanking her for her “incredible play” in the opening two rounds of the tournament.
Though it still remains unclear at this stage, it seems highly unlikely she’ll recover again in time for the opening major of the calendar year.
Adding this latest setback to her already long list of injuries, the young sports star has now had to withdraw from various competitions on six different occasions since making her debut on the WTA Tour back in June 2021.
Speaking before the match began, former Swedish tennis player and world number one Mats Wilander told Eurosport that while he believes she is “unbelievable” and can become “one of the best players in the world, she has to find an identity”, insisting that the right coach that can bring the X factor out of her.
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Raducanu is now on her fifth trainer in just over a year, having appointed German coach Sebastian Sachs back in December. It seems keeping her fit will be the primary task for now.
With her already having struggled with everything from leg and wrist injuries to breathing difficulties and now an ankle issue, it is somewhat cause for concern at such a young age. On the other hand, she has a long career ahead of her and her resilience will only build over time.
As for Kužmová, the 24-year-old Slovakian player will now face Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in the quarter-finals.
We wish you a speedy recovery, Emma — we’re sure your luck will turn soon.
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Featured Image — ASB Classic/LTA (via Twitter)