“The courts have been checked,” Emma Raducanu’s claims of slippery courts leading to injury dismissed by the tournament director of the ASB Classic

Emma Raducanu had accused the ASB Classic for slippery surface that led to her injury, the tournament director responds to the claims of the former World No. 10.

“The courts have been checked,” Emma Raducanu’s claims of slippery courts leading to injury dismissed by the tournament director of the ASB Classic

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu had possibly the worst start to the season. Despite winning her season opener at the 2023 ASB Classic in Auckland, she had to give a walkover in the second-round match. Up against Viktoria Kuzmova, Raducanu served a bagel in the first set. She was denied a straight-set win as the Slovakian won the second set 7-5.

As the second set was coming to an end, Raducanu rolled her ankle over. The injury became serious quickly and the Briton was forced to hand a walkover to her opponent. She left the court in tears as despite her best efforts, injuries continue to catch her affecting her performance.

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Raducanu had criticized and blamed the tournament’s surface suggesting the poor quality led to her injury. She has however now received a reply from the tournament’s director.

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“We obviously are very sorry about Emma’s injury. As every player they work really hard in the off season, that’s not what you expect when you play a tournament in week one. The courts have been checked and we’ve had a number of matches on the indoor courts. We haven’t had an injury apart from yesterday. As far as the tournament is concerned, with the support of the referee and the supervisor, we are able to play and use this court.

“I want to make sure she’s okay, this is my number one priority. It’s 10 days ahead of the Australian Open. She’s coming from a season with a lot of injuries so of course this is something which creates frustration. We will have a discussion whether it’s with her or her management for sure and we’ll take it from there,” said Nicolas Lamperin as per 1News.

Related: Heat at Australian Open can create havoc for players

Emma Raducanu reaches Australia

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu making her exit from the 2023 ASB Classic

With the 2023 Australian Open quickly approaching, the timing of injury has gone horribly wrong for Emma Raducanu. Having just come from a strenuous 2022 season, the Briton was looking for a fresh start this season. But things have gone downhill in the very first week.

The 2021 US Open champ had reached the second round at the 2022 Australian Open and was looking for a better run this time. Ranked 78th in the world currently, she is desperately in need of ranking points to re-enter the Top-50 and progress ahead. The former World No. 10’s poor results mean she doesn’t have many points to defend for and can only rise with consistent deep runs.

Following her exit from New Zealand, Raducanu has already touched down in Australia. With the Grand Slam starting at Melbourne Park in 10 days’ time, the Briton would hope to get acclimatized. On her injury, she is yet to give further updates and it is a wait-and-watch situation for her fans ahead of the first Major of the season.

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