All the effort she had put in over the previous few months vanished as injury struck Emma Raducanu down again as the former US Open champion hobbled out of his first tournament of 2024. The British No. 1 battled to stay in the second set of a match that was played indoors due to the bad weather after taking the first set 6-0 against qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova in Auckland.
After a promising week in New Zealand, Emma lost the second set 7-5 and required several minutes of treatment as she attempted to finish the match. However, it was apparent that the injury would again derail her plans. Read More: Emma Raducanu aims to play more tennis and avoid injuries by 2024
After a wrist injury in October, Raducanu had to end her 2022 campaign early. However, she had started 2024 by battling back to defeat 17-year-old Czech rising star Linda Fruhvirtova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
She was now looking forward to a quarterfinal in her first WTA Tour match of the year, and as she hobbled to the net to end the match, tears streamed down her face, highlighting the desperation of a 20-year-old whose body continues to fail her despite her attempts to change this narrative.
Will Emma Raducanu recover in time?
The decision to hire Jez Green, a former fitness coach for Andy Murray, was hailed as a genius move that might put an end to Raducanu’s ongoing physical issues.
After winning a tough battle against Fruhvirtova, early indications in Auckland suggested she was in good shape as she anticipated the Australian Open.
Since any ankle ligament damage would almost certainly put an end to Raducanu’s chances of playing in Melbourne, there must now be serious doubts about her ability to compete in the opening major of the year. Read More: Novak Djokovic will skip Indian Wells and Miami Open as the US extends its vaccine regulations
Everyone is now waiting for an update on the most recent obstacle that Racucanu has to overcome. While this kind of injury is a reality for all tennis players, Racucanu will find it difficult to accept the long-term effects of frequent setbacks.
Raducanu proved she is a player capable of winning again on the biggest stages of the game even during her brief appearance in Auckland. Whether her body will enable her to accomplish those goals is still up in the air.
What was Raducanu’s aim for 2024?
“For 2024 my goal is to stay healthy for longer,” Raducanu spoke with the WTA a few days ago.
“I’m looking forward to working hard because I’ve got a better idea of what to expect now, so I’ll be less like a deer in headlights.
“For a results goal, I’d say it’s to win a title, and three I’d say is to be playing fearless tennis. Just not thinking about consequences, just going for it.”
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