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Emma Raducanu pulls out of another tournament as British tennis star unable to deliver on three-word message

Emma Raducanu pulls out of another tournament as British tennis star unable to deliver on three-word message

Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Hong Kong Open to all but end her WTA Tour season for the year.

The 2021 US Open champion made her comeback from a long injury lay-off this year and appeared to be gaining momentum in the summer months.


But a disappointing performance at Flushing Meadows was followed by an injury setback at the Korea Open.

Raducanu was scheduled to play in multiple tournaments in the Asian swing for a big finish to her year.

Emma Raducanu has pulled out of four consecutive tournamentsGetty

The 21-year-old made the confident assertion prior to her injury that she ‘thrived in Asia’ with hopes of climbing up the rankings.

However, a foot injury she sustained at the Korea Open kept her out of WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan as well as other Chinese tournaments in Guangzhou and Ningbo.

The Hong Kong Open represented Raducanu’s final chance to play on the WTA Tour for this season and she spoke of her excitement at playing in the tournament just last week.

She said on social media: “I really cannot wait to come and play the Prudential Women’s Hong Kong Open.

“It’s my first time playing the WTA event there, but I was there in December last year and I really loved the city.

“So I’m very much looking forward to coming and I hope to see you all there in October.”

But Raducanu has been unable to recover from the foot problem in time to play and has been replaced in the field by Sofia Kenin.

The British tennis star’s last chance to play competitively in 2024 will be at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals next month.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu previously said she ‘thrives in Asia’

PA

She played a vital role in helping Great Britain beat France back in April to secure their spot in the November’s finals.

Raducanu has been named in Great Britan’s team for next month, but captain Anne Keothavong hinted that changes could be made.

“We are really looking forward to the finals in Malaga after qualifying following our fantastic weekend in France in April,” Keothavong said.

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Emma Raducanu helped Great Britain qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup FinalsEmma Raducanu helped Great Britain qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup FinalsGETTY

“Our team have created excellent memories and put in outstanding performances in this competition in recent years, and we will relish the opportunity in November.

“There is still a lot of tennis to be played, and changes can be made up until the day before our first match.”

Raducanu is currently scheduled to play in Great Britain’s first match against Germany on November 15 in a singles tie against Eva Lys.Katie Boulter, Heather Watson, Olivia Nicholls and Harriet Dart make up the other members of Great Britain’s team.