Briton Emma Raducanu has accepted a wildcard to participate in the Auckland tournament at the start of 2024.
The former U.S. Open winner has been away from the tour for a long time after surgeries on both wrists and her ankle this year, but she hopes to be fit for the start of the 2024 season.
The 21-year-old should return to Auckland with a protected ranking (103). Last year, she left the tournament in tears after spraining her ankle in the second round. “Despite having to withdraw last year, she was very happy to come back,” tournament director Nicolas Lamperin told New Zealand media on Thursday.
Emma Raducanu did not receive a wildcard in the initial batch announced Wednesday for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Organizers will award four more for the women’s singles main draw before the tournament begins on January 14.
If Raducanu misses again, she could have to fight in the qualifiers to participate in the tournament.
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