WATCH: ‘US Open in the mud?’ Emma Raducanu left in tears during the practice session as an injury scare looms over her title defense

WATCH: ‘US Open in the mud?’ Emma Raducanu left in tears during the practice session as an injury scare looms over her title defense

Emma Raducanu

Since her historic US Open triumph last year, things haven’t gone in Emma Raducanu’s way at all. The British teenager scripted history last year at Flushing Meadows by becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a grand slam title. To put things into perspective, it was Raducanu’s first tour title and she did it without dropping a single set in all 10 matches she played in the USTA tennis center.

Naturally, she became an overnight sensation because of the feat she achieved, and having a British connection helped her cause. She was projected to be the next big thing in tennis but to date, she is yet to deliver as promised. She has had a string of early-round losses over the last year, and despite getting up the rankings, she hasn’t been able to compete at the highest level.

She is now back in New York for her title defense at the US Open but unfortunately for her, things don’t seem going her way. Apart from the tough draw she received, Raducanu’s luck tester her as she got injured during one of the practice sessions on Friday. While the nature or the impact of the injury is yet to be confirmed, it is assumed that Raducanu hurt her hand while hitting.

FS Video

She was seen holding her hand and looking in pain. She paused her practice session for 30 minuted and was seen crying on the court. Her coach, Dmitry Tursunov, lent her support as she cried inconsolably. Her physio, Will Herbert, then treated her when she took another 15-minute break before eventually hitting for around 2 hours.

Also Read: “Defending a title is just something that the press makes up!” Emma Raducanu SLAMS the media for unnecessarily pressuring her ahead of the US Open

Emma Raducanu scheduled to play on Tuesday night despite a minor injury scare

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu

In the pre-tournament press conference which happened after her practice session, Raducanu addressed her injury scare and said that there is not much to worry about. She revealed that she had a “couple of blisters and niggles here and there” and it wasn’t much serious. She also confirmed that she will be taking the court on Tuesday night for her first-round match against Alize Cornet.

Also Read: “One of the most important athletes in the history of the sport!” Rafael Nadal pays the ultimate tribute to Serena Williams ahead of her farewell tournament at the US Open

Also Read: “Tennis plays for Ukraine!” Iga Swiatek sends a strong message about unification ahead of the 2022 US Open