Emma Raducanu confirms next WTA tournament after disappointing start to 2022
After injury played a part in her Australian Open exit, Emma Raducanu will return to action next month at the Abierto Akron Zapopan in Mexico.
19-year-old US Open champion Raducanu began her first season on the WTA Tour poorly when she suffered a humbling defeat to World number 12 Elena Rybakina at the Sydney International.
This was then compounded by a difficult opening round draw at the Australian Open when she was drawn against 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens. Although, Raducanu dispatched Stephens in comfortable fashion.
The British sensation then battled through blistering against World number 91 Danka Kovinic in the second round but ultimately went on to lose, sending her out of her first ever ‘Happy Slam.’
However, seven-time Grand Slam ace Mats Wilander feels Raducanu has nothing to be disappointed about and former British number one Tim Henman feels she just needs more experience to make it to the top.
Raducanu had hinted she would focus more on training as opposed to playing on the tour after Covid-19 hampered her pre-season training. Although, this concerned Germany’s greatest male player Boris Becker who believes she needs to play more matches.
The young Briton has now revealed she will play at the Abierto Akron Zapopan in Guadalajara, Mexico where she will be the top seeded player as she continues her first full season.
Raducanu has only played nine WTA Tour events in her career so far, with three of them being Grand Slams.
As a result of her impressive run at Wimbledon and sensationally winning the US Open as a qualifier, the first player to ever achieve such a feat, she currently sits at a career-high of 18th in the world. Although, she could rise as high as 13th after her ‘Happy Slam’ performance.
The Mexican event is a WTA 250 tournament and runs from February 21st to February 27th. Raducanu could also play at the Abierto GNP Seguros event in Monterrey the following week.
Raducanu also previously hinted that her next appearances would be in preparation for the Indian Wells Masters in March, a tournament widely regarded as the ‘fifth Grand Slam.’
🎾 Read >> Breaking tennis news
🎾 Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores
🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
🎾 Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner
