Deadspin | Emma Raducanu (back), Elise Mertens (ankle) WD from ASB Classic
Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu and second-seeded Elise Mertens withdrew from the ASB Classic on Tuesday in Auckland, New Zealand.
Raducanu, who is dealing with a balky back, is no stranger to injuries, having dealt with issues involving her wrists, ankles and back over the last few years.
The 22-year-old British player was seeded sixth in the tournament and set to square off against Robin Montgomery in the first round on Tuesday. Montgomery will face lucky loser Mai Hontama of Japan instead.
“Tried my best to be ready,” Raducanu said. “I love Auckland and the fans here, but unfortunately I picked up a back niggle and won’t be ready in time.”
Raducanu won her only WTA Tour title to date at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Mertens, 29, bowed out of the first WTA 250 event of the season due to a right ankle injury.
The Belgian will be replaced by Jodie Burrage of Great Britain, who will face New Zealand wild card Vivian Yang.
–Field Level Media
Related
Emma Raducanu could face world number three Coco Gauff at…
Britain's Emma Raducanu will play world number three Coco Gauff in the second round at Indian Wells - if she can beat Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the first round
Emma Raducanu on Coco Gauff collision course as Indian Wells…
Emma Raducanu will meet Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff if she makes it through her Indian Wells opener against Moyuka Uchijima. Raducanu is returning to action
Novak Djokovic awaits Nick Kyrgios as Serb gets nightmare Indian…
Novak Djokovic could play Nick Kyrgios in the second round of Indian Wells after being handed a tricky path to the final. The draw was completed in the early ho
Serena Williams Joins Ownership Group Of WNBA’s Toronto Tempo
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Serena Williams attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party ... [+] hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for th
