"First trip post op": Emma Raducanu ready and departs for ASB Classic in Auckland as comeback begins

Emma Raducanu said goodbye to London and traveled to New Zealand for her return to the tour at the WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland. The tournament will take place from January 1 to 7 and will feature a star-studded main draw with players such as Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, and Caroline Wozniacki.

The British tennis player shared some photos on social media from her last days in London, including one at the airport just before boarding her flight to Oceania. Raducanu played only five tournaments in 2023 due to injuries. She captioned her post: "Memorable moment, off for my first trip post-op & feeling good!! Bye London," Emma Raducanu captioned her post.

In April, she decided to undergo surgery on both wrists and will mark nine months since her last tournament when Raducanu fell to Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the Stuttgart Open (2-6, 1-6). The 2021 US Open champion secured a Wild Card in Auckland, which will be her only tournament before the Australian Open.

Raducanu, currently ranked world No. 298, will use her protected ranking in the first Grand Slam of the year (103rd) and is guaranteed a spot in the qualifying rounds of the tournament. She is also five withdrawals away from securing a place in the main draw.

Raducanu won't be the only one making a comeback at the Australian Open. Naomi Osaka, champion in 2019 and 2021, will use her protected ranking to play in the main draw. The same situation applies to the 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, as both are returning after a long absence due to their pregnancies.

2021 finalist Jennifer Braedy returned to the tour in the second half of 2023 after two years away from the courts due to injuries. The American will also be able to use her protected ranking to compete in the tournament.

2018 Aussie Open champion Caroline Wozniacki will also make a comeback in Melbourne, albeit with a wild card granted by the organizers. The Dane returned to professionalism after three and a half years and played some tournaments in the hardcourt swing, including an appearance in the fourth round of the US Open (defeat against the eventual champion Coco Gauff)."