Emma Raducanu withdraws from comeback event to focus on fitness

Emma Raducanu won't be returning to professional tennis until the new year. She has recently chosen to withdraw from an exhibition tournament in Macau, which was scheduled to take place on 2nd December.

Raducanu took a break from competing after having surgeries on her hands and ankle in April. She had planned a low-pressure return to tennis in Asia before the 2024 season, but unfortunately, the organizers announced on her 21st birthday that she will not be participating in the Macau Tennis Masters event.

As per a team member of Raducanu, the exhibition organizers had requested her team many weeks prior to the event to confirm participation in order to secure a backup in case she was unable to compete. While Raducanu wished to participate, her ongoing recovery from injuries and uncertainty about her ability to attend led her to decide to withdraw.

After being away from the tennis court for several months, Raducanu is reportedly making positive strides in her rehabilitation at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. However, she has not yet resumed intense hitting. Additionally, Raducanu has decided to part ways with her coach, Sebastian Sachs, and has yet to assemble a team of physio, fitness, and technical coaches. Instead, she has been relying on the assistance of LTA staff.

Raducanu has expressed optimism about making a comeback to the sports scene during the commencement of the new season in Australia and New Zealand. However, her team has advised her against hurrying back after being out of the game for such an extended period. Raducanu is currently not programmed for any other exhibitions leading up to the new season.

It seems like January will be a month of comebacks for some previous champions. Naomi Osaka, who has won four grand slam titles, will be making her return to the courts at the Brisbane International. The 26-year-old had taken time off after giving birth to her baby girl, Shai, in July. Another former champion, Angelique Kerber, who has won three major tournaments, will also be making a comeback at the United Cup the same week. Kerber, who is 35 years old, had her daughter, Liana, in February last year.