March 19, (THEWILL) – British tennis star, Emma Raducanu, has withdrawn from the Miami Open tournament on the eve of her first-round match due to a lower back injury, multiple reports confirmed on Monday.
The 21-year-old former US Open champion was forced to pull out of the prestigious event after experiencing back pain during her return to competition.
Raducanu had been looking to build momentum at the Miami Open after a promising run at Indian Wells, where she reached the third round before losing to world number two Aryna Sabalenka last week. However, the rising British talent decided not to risk further aggravating her lower back issue in Miami.
“I have been experiencing lower back pain and at this stage of my return to competition I don’t want to risk anything happening,” Raducanu said in an official statement released by the tournament organisers. She had received a wildcard entry into the main draw and was scheduled to face China’s Wang Xiyu on Tuesday.
The injury setback comes as a blow for Raducanu, who missed most of the 2022 season after undergoing surgeries on her ankle and both wrists. Despite the Miami withdrawal, she is still expected to represent Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup tie against France next month as she continues her comeback trail.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
