"That’s always an awkward time to play an exhibition event": Emma Raducanu Macau withdrawal could be right decision believes Andy Roddick

After spending months on the sidelines due to injury, former US Open Champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from her comeback event at the Macau exhibition in early December, a move that has been applauded by Andy Roddick.

Raducanu underwent ankle and wrist surgery earlier in the year, which has kept her out of action for several months. There was speculation about her possibly returning at the start of December at an exhibition in Macau, but the British star announced her withdrawal from the event, with the 2024 Australian Open less than two months away.

"It’s tough because we don’t know if it’s a recurrence of the same two injuries that she has or if it’s a fitness issue or maybe the training is going so well they don’t want to interrupt a really cohesive training block with a trip to Macau in December," said the former World No.1. "That’s always an awkward time to play an exhibition event. I liked playing them right after the season ends or right before the season begins because it gives you more uninterrupted training. Maybe that’s just what she felt she needed. I’d be guessing at this point."

With Raducanu constantly updating fans on her fitness journey as she prepares to return to the courts, Roddick believes the 2021 US Open champion will participate in at least one event before the commencement of next year's Australian Open, which kicks off on January 14, 2024.

"I know one thing that has to happen if she’s going to go start playing a Slam in Australia, she’s going to have to play something before," added the American. "There’s going to have to be a 250, I would even like to see her play two events in the lead-up, because there’s just nothing guaranteed. You want those matches."