Emma Raducanu opts against Kooyong warm-up after charity match snub with training only before Australian Open return

Wednesday, 10 January 2024 at 21:00

Emma Raducanu withdraws from Kooyong Exhibition three days before the start of the 2024 Australian Open. The 2021 US Open champion would have faced the 16-year-old young star Mirra Andreeva in the customary charity match that precedes the first Grand Slam of the year.

The British star withdrew just one day after the 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka announced her absence from the exhibition, so neither of the two players announced in recent weeks will participate in the event.

Read also

According to a report by BBC Sport, in the Tuesday morning training session at Melbourne Park, Raducanu had a "little sore" after a two-hour practice session, which led to the decision not to play in the exhibition.

“Emma Raducanu has opted against playing at Kooyong tomorrow so this is now going to be a lighter week of Australian Open preparation than originally intended. The draw, by the way, is at 2am GMT tomorrow morning”

Russell Fuller

@russellcfuller

·Follow

Emma Raducanu has opted against playing at Kooyong tomorrow so this is now going to be a lighter week of Australian Open preparation than originally intended. The draw, by the way, is at 2am GMT tomorrow morning

6:56 AM · Jan 10, 2024

Read 8 replies

Former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, the young Czech Linda Fruhvirtova, Donna Vekic, and the Australian star Taylah Preston will also be present at Kooyong. On the men's side, representatives include Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe, Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, Matteo Berrettini, Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic, Marc Polman, and Zhang ZhiZhen.

Raducanu's comeback

The 21-year-old tennis player had a 9-month absence from the WTA Tour due to injuries in her ankle and both wrists, leading to surgery. The young British player returned in Auckland for the ASB Classic and secured a victory against Elena-Gabriela Ruse (6-3, 4-6, 7-5), showcasing a high level of play.

Raducanu faced a tough second-round match against Elina Svitolina, and despite starting with an advantage, the Ukrainian eventually won the three-set battle by 7-6, 6-7, 6-1. Raducanu entered the main draw of the Australian Open following several withdrawals from the entry list, allowing her to skip the qualifying rounds.

Read also

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 1visitors 1

ATP and WTA PREVIEW | 2024 Adelaide International Day Four including RYBAKINA v ALEXANDROVA, PEGULA and DRAPER v PAUL

Rafael Nadal has affected younger generation more than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic says Mats Wilander in another twist to GOAT debate