Emma Raducanu ‘hopeful’ to play Indian Wells as injury returns
Emma Raducanu has revealed that the wrist injury she sustained last year has returned, with the Brit’s Indian Wells participation currently up in the air.
Raducanu was spotted on the practice courts with her coach Sebastian Sachs, and had both of her wrists strapped up.
Practice mode ➡️ @EmmaRaducanu #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/SW30qs9Ykq
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There were initial concerns for the 20-year-old when she pulled out of the charity exhibition event on Tuesday, as well as a scheduled practice session with Anhelina Kalinina.
When speaking to the press yesterday the Brit revealed the cause of the strapping, “The same issue that I had last year has started to flare back up.”
She continued, “I’ve definitely been managing my load. It’s something that has just come back, so I’m trying to be as cautious as possible. I’m going to do everything I can to be there tomorrow.”
“I think we always play through pain and it’s just a matter of how much can you take – I’m looking forward to hopefully being out there tomorrow.”
Not only has the 2021 US Open champion been struggling with injury, but also illness having missed the ATX Open last week with tonsillitis.
“It affected me bad for the short term so I haven’t prepared much. I’ve probably never felt so sick in my life. When it rains, it pours. This and the infection – it’s obviously a challenge,” said Raducanu.
She added, “My preparation hasn’t been ideal. I played on the weekend and then I rested it – it’s how you manage things when you aren’t prepared.”
This latest setback continues the disrupted season for the British No.1, who has only played four matches all year and has not played since her second round defeat to Coco Gauff in the Australian Open.
Raducanu is scheduled to take to the court for her first round match at Indian Wells later today against Danka Kovinic, who she lost to in their only previous meeting.
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