Raducanu pulls out of pre-Australian Open charity match after feeling ‘sore’

Emma Raducanu withdrew from a charity match on Tuesday that was to be part of her Australian Open build-up after complaining of “feeling sore”.

Her original opponent Naomi Osaka had already pulled out but Donna Vekic had stepped in to play the British player in a match scheduled to have taken place at Melbourne Park.

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It is being reported by BBC Sport that Raducanu got up on Tuesday morning a “little sore” after a two-hour practice session on Monday and decided to rest rather than take part in the charity match.

The shock 2021 US Open champion is planning to return to grand Slam competition next week in Melbourne after being out since April 2023 following ankle and wrist surgeries.

Raducanu, who has gained direct entry into this year’s Australian Open main draw following other players’ withdrawals, is scheduled to play 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva at the Kooyong Classic on Thursday.

The draw for the Australian Open also takes place that day.