Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Auckland Open

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Auckland Open due to a back injury, marking a setback in her preparations for the upcoming Australian Open, which starts on January 12. The 22-year-old British tennis player expressed her disappointment, stating, "I've tried my best to be ready," but the back niggle prevented her participation. Raducanu, who has faced persistent injuries since her 2021 US Open victory, recently enlisted fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura to help improve her physical condition. Despite a strong finish at the Billie Jean King Cup, she heads into the Australian Open without recent match practice. Additionally, second-seeded Elise Mertens also withdrew from the Auckland tournament due to injury. Raducanu is currently ranked 56th in the world and will not be seeded for the Australian Open.