EMMA RADUCANU has suffered yet another setback after a bout of tonsillitis forced her to withdraw at short notice from this week’s ATX Austin Open.
The Brit, 20, was due to play her first match since the Australian Open second round at this new WTA 250 event in Texas.
Yet shortly before Saturday’s draw ceremony, Raducanu told tournament chiefs that she was unable to play due to illness.
Her team have described it as “a stroke of bad luck” given that she travelled early for preparation reasons but began to fall sick upon her arrival at the Westwood Country Club.
Had Raducanu withdrawn before Friday’s qualifying draw, her GB teammate Katie Boulter would have gained direct entry to the main draw as the first alternate.
The 2021 US Open champion will remain in Austin for the time being before flying to California next month for the prestigious Indian Wells event, which starts on Wednesday March 8.
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If Raducanu does not find form in the coming weeks, then there is the danger she will drop out of the world’s top 100 by the end of April – which would mean requiring a wildcard for Wimbledon.
Her 2022 season consisted of various different injury problems and she did not get past the second round of the four Slams.
Raducanu, who is currently 81st on the WTA list, said: "I’m sorry to have to withdraw from the ATX Open.
"I’m currently suffering from tonsillitis and am unable to compete this week.
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"Thank you to the tournament for the great hospitality here in Austin."
The ATX Austin Open is set to start on Monday at the Westwood Country Club.
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