Emma Raducanu, the talented British tennis player, has been eagerly anticipated to make her much-awaited return to the sport after a break of eight months. Following surgery on her wrists and ankle, she has not played since April 2023. However, fans of Raducanu will be pleased to know that she is set to make her comeback at the Auckland Open in January.
Currently ranked 296 in the world, Raducanu’s return to tennis is highly anticipated. The Auckland Open, which begins on January 1, will serve as her platform to resume her professional career. It’s worth noting that fellow rising star Coco Gauff will also be competing in the same tournament, adding to the excitement for tennis enthusiasts.
In a recent development, it was reported by The Times that Raducanu has signed up for the Australian Open entry list using her protected ranking of 103. Protected ranking, also known as special ranking, grants players who have been out of action for an extended period the opportunity to enter tournaments at the rank they held when they last received prize money. While this could potentially secure her a place in the main draw, it is important to highlight that it’s not a guarantee. Raducanu may still need to navigate qualifying rounds, secure a wildcard, or hope for other players to withdraw.
The Australian Open qualifying rounds are scheduled to commence on January 8, with the Grand Slam event itself taking place at Melbourne Park from January 14. While the possibility of receiving a wildcard for the Australian Open is not entirely ruled out for Raducanu, organizers have traditionally shown preference to local talent. This implies that she would likely need to earn her spot through the qualifying rounds, where she would have to secure three consecutive victories.
However, Raducanu is no stranger to the challenge of qualifying rounds. In fact, she has already made history as the only player ever to win a Grand Slam title as a qualifier. Her remarkable triumph at the US Open in Flushing Meadows two years ago is a testament to her determination and undeniable skill.
Leading up to her return, Raducanu has been diligently training at the National Tennis Centre in London. Recovering from surgery on both wrists and her ankle, she has been gradually increasing the intensity of her practice sessions. Notably, she recently journeyed to Hong Kong for a sponsor event and continued her training regime whilst there.
As the Auckland Open approaches, the excitement surrounding Emma Raducanu’s long-awaited return to tennis grows. Fans and fellow players alike eagerly await her comeback, hoping to witness her remarkable talent once again grace the courts. With determination and resilience as her driving forces, Raducanu is poised to make her mark on the sport once again.
World of sports 
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