"First trip post op": Emma Raducanu ready and departs for ASB Classic in Auckland as comeback begins
WTA
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.
Return to the WTA Tour
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.
Other notable comebacks at the 2024 AO
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)."
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.
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