Emma Raducanu mystery continues: Back training but no comeback date set with Australian Open drawing closer

Emma Raducanu has returned to training, but there is still uncertainty about her comeback, with the Australian Open drawing closer just around the corner.

The British Billie Jean King Cup team is gearing up for their clash with Sweden at the Copper Box, and while the team is adjusting to life without Emma Raducanu, the young tennis sensation is making strides in her rehabilitation.

The former US Open champion, who underwent triple surgery involving her ankle and both wrists, is intensifying her recovery efforts, and recent reports suggest she participated in a 90-minute training session at the National Tennis Center.

The British team, currently without Raducanu, is focused on establishing its identity. Captain Anne Keothavong acknowledges the stiff competition for spots within the team, especially with players like Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and Katie Boulter demonstrating their capabilities. As Raducanu inches closer to full fitness, Keothavong remains optimistic about the team's prospects.

“There’s absolutely no room for [complacency], and I think we’ve seen in this competition that anything’s possible,” said Keothavong.

“I don’t think anyone can guarantee a spot on this team,” she added about Raducanu. “They set the bar high for the others who want to be on this team, which is good. But everyone’s hungry and everyone wants to be part of that, so for me as captain, hopefully, we’ll be spoilt for choice.”

The exact date of Raducanu's comeback remains undecided, and despite potential offers to participate in prestigious events like the Brisbane International, her name was notably absent from the star-studded lineup recently announced.

A potential return for Raducanu could be at the Auckland tournament scheduled to begin on January 1, 2024. However, the venue was the site of her ankle injury last year. Nevertheless, Raducanu's existing relationship with the organizers may secure her a wildcard entry, considering her protected ranking of 80.

The weekend matchups include Jodie Burrage against Kajsa Rinaldo Persson, Katie Boulter against Caijsa Hennemann on Saturday, and Katie Boulter against Kajsa Rinaldo Persson, Jodie Burrage against Caijsa Hennemann, and a doubles match featuring Heather Watson and Harriet Dart against Lisa Zaar and Bella Bergkvist on Sunday.

The anticipation builds for Raducanu's return as the British Billie Jean King Cup team strives for success against Sweden.