Emma Raducanu breaks down mid-match as fresh injury puts 2023 Australian Open in jeopardy
Emma Raducanu making her exit from the 2023 ASB Classic
Emma Raducanu‘s misfortune continues on the WTA Tour. Entering the 2023 season with a clean slate, the former World No. 10 started her season at the 2023 ASB Classic In Auckland. The Briton won her season opener as she beat fellow teen Linda Fruhvirtova in over three sets to start off with a win.
Her second-round clash was fixed against Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova. The 2021 US Open winner started with a perfect game dropping a bagel in the first set. Kuzmova fought back valiantly to win the second set 7-5. But the second set started becoming difficult for Raducanu as she rolled her ankle in the final few games of the second set.
Raducanu signaled to the medical team and received treatment on her foot. It did not turn out useful and she informed the chair umpire of giving a walkover. She tearfully went to the net to inform Kuzmova of her decision as well as she left the court in tears.
Emma Raducanu had acknowledged constant injury troubles
The fresh new injury for Emma Raducanu is a big concern as the 2023 Australian Open kicks off in less than two weeks. While there are two more events lined up before the Grand Slam, the Briton is likely to remain an absentee. The World No. 78 was looking for a good start and move into the Top-50 once again.
The extent of the injury remains unknown. There’s a chance that the decision was taken considering the upcoming Grand Slam. Forcing her body right now and then risking the Major could have been a thought in handing the walkover. In case it was a forced withdrawal due to the injury, chances at the Australian Open become slim for the teenager.
After a troubled 2022 season, Raducanu herself had admitted to her injuries keeping her restricted in the season. She worked majorly on her fitness during the off-season. However, rolling your ankle over is an accident that can happen to the fittest of athletes and it was Raducanu‘s day to suffer the consequences of the same.
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