In a shocking turn of events, British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Auckland Open just hours before her scheduled opening match. The 21-year-old made the decision after sustaining an injury during warm-ups, casting a shadow over her highly anticipated return to competitive tennis.
Raducanu, who had been looking forward to starting her 2025 season strong in Auckland, revealed in a brief statement that she had experienced discomfort in her ankle during practice and, after consulting with her medical team, it was determined that playing would risk further damage. “I am really disappointed to have to withdraw from the tournament, as I was excited to compete here in Auckland,” Raducanu said in her statement. “After discussing with my team, we feel it’s best for my long-term health to step back and recover properly.”
This marks another setback for the young star, who has struggled with injury concerns in recent seasons. Raducanu had shown signs of regaining form after an up-and-down 2024, and fans were eager to see her progress in the new year. The sudden withdrawal has left fans and pundits alike questioning her fitness going into future events.
The Auckland Open organizers have confirmed her withdrawal and expressed their regret, while wishing Raducanu a speedy recovery. As for her plans, Raducanu has not yet confirmed whether she will be ready to compete in upcoming tournaments, with many hoping for a full recovery in time for the Australian Open later this month.
With Raducanu’s absence from the tournament, the field remains wide open, and attention will now turn to how the rest of the players perform in the wake of her last-minute withdrawal. Fans and supporters of the British star will now anxiously await further updates on her recovery and future plans for the season.
