Emma Raducanu withdraws from Miami Open 2024 with lower back injury
Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the 2024 Miami Open due to a new injury setback, which could be a significant blow to her comeback efforts.
After an injury-plagued 2023 season, where she underwent surgeries on her wrists and ankle, Raducanu made her much-awaited comeback to the tour at the ASB Classic in January.
The Brit won her first match back, claiming a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Elena Gabriela. She exited the tournament in the second round, losing to Elina Svitolina.
The 21-year-old has since taken part in the Australian Open, Abu Dhabi Open, Qatar Open and most recently the Indian Wells Masters. While she failed to make a deep run at any tournament, she has shown promising signs on her comeback trail.
Emma Raducanu delivered a strong performance in her opening match at Indian Wells, beating Rebeka Masarova 6-2, 6-3. After a walkover against Dayana Yastremska in the second round, the Brit suffered a straight-sets defeat to Aryna Sabalenka.
Raducanu was set to take part at the Miami Open this week, scheduled to play Wang Xiyu in her tournament opener. However, the 21-year-old has now been forced to withdraw from the WTA 1000 event due to a lower back injury.
"Emma Raducanu is an incredible player, and she played great tennis" - Aryna Sabalenka after defeating Brit in Indian Wells 3R
Aryna Sabalenka claimed a 6-3, 7-5 win over Emma Raducanu to knock her out of the 2024 Indian Wells Open in the third round. The Belarusian commended Raducanu after the clash, praising her level of play.
"I know that the level is there, and she (Emma Raducanu) can play some great tennis. But on those key moments, I was focusing on myself and things what I have to do on court to be in this match, and I think it's worked well," Sabalenka said during her post-match press conference.
The World No. 2 further said Raducanu delivered a "great" performance in the match, while expressing satisfaction with her ability to focus on her own performance and pull off the win.
"I'm happy that I'm able to focus on myself during these tough moments. She's an incredible player and she played great tennis today, even though she didn't play much matches in the past couple of months," she added.
While Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Miami Open, Aryna Sabalenka will be on the hunt for her first WTA 1000 title of the season at the event. Following a first-round bye, Sabalenka takes on the winner between Paula Badosa and Simona Halep in a blockbuster second-round clash.