Playing only her second match in the 2023 season, Emma Raducanu suffered an ankle injury and left the court in tears after retiring in the round of 16 at the ASB Classic.
World No.78 Raducanu retired from five matches last year, but she started the new season with a positive attitude and injury-free. Following her exhibition match with Ons Jabeur in Abu Dhabi in December, the 20-year-old said: “Physically, body, injury-wise I’m good now, I’m clear. Touch wood it stays like that.” Unfortunately, this is not true any longer, as Raducanu turned her ankle while competing against Viktoria Kuzmova at the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland, New Zealand.
After dominating the first 6-0, Raducanu sustained an ankle injury late in the second set that she lost 7-5 and was forced to retire just one point into the deciding set. The Brit quickly left the court, wiping away tears.
This is a major concern for Raducanu as the Australian Open starts on January 16.
