Emma Raducanu was forced out of four WTA events in Asia after another injury disrupted her season.
Britain’s Emma Raducanu returned to the tour after three surgeries – on her wrists and ankle – earlier this year.
In April, she was instrumental in Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup victory over France, securing crucial wins against Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry.
A smart run on the grass saw her beat her first top 10 opponent ever in Jessica Pegula, before battling her way to the last 16 at Wimbledon.
However, she missed much of the American hard court season, sparking criticism for not participating in qualifying events to regain form.
In New York, Raducanu’s struggles continued with a first-round US Open exit to Sofia Kenin , meaning she is still without a win at Flushing Meadows since her 2021 title.
She managed to find some rhythm in Seoul, advancing through her first two rounds. Unfortunately, a foot injury forced her to withdraw, sidelining her from upcoming tournaments.
While this string of setbacks has hampered her momentum and kept her from establishing consistent form on the WTA Tour, her ranking has still gradually improved this year, currently sitting at 58th.
Scheduled to slot into Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team as the number two behind Katie Boulter, Raducanu has faced a race against time due to her ongoing injury struggles.
A last-minute Raducanu withdrawal from Hong Kong sent shockwaves through anxious British fans.
However, in a recent fitness update, the 21-year-old’s team have said she is more than ready to battle it out in British colours in Malaga, where the finals are being held.
A statement from her team read: “Emma is training well and being with the team next week is her focus.”
Teammate Harriet Dart was also forced to pull out of the Guangzhou Open after a back injury, but confirmed she hoped to be ready for Malaga.
The British team are set to face a Germany team – arguably weaker than the French outfit they defeated six months ago – in their first knockout match on Friday, November 15.
Led by captain Anne Keothavong, the lineup features four of the players who clinched victory over France in April’s qualifier.
Boulter comes in with strong momentum after her recent finals appearance in Hong Kong, despite a tough loss to Diana Shnaider.
Sonay Kartal, now a top-100 player following her title in Monastir, might be ready to step in if Raducanu or Dart aren’t fully fit.
Germany – who defeated Brazil to reach this stage – is headlined by the often tricky Laura Siegmund who stars as their number one.
As their highest ranked player at world number 83, a stronger British contingent will hope they manage to negotiate the pressure, and pass this tricky first test.
Related Posts