Emma Raducanu is reportedly facing the prospect of competing in the Australian Open qualifiers in order to play in next month’s tournament. The Brit is set to make her long-awaited comeback from injury in preparation for the Major, but is holding onto hope of being awarded a last-minute wildcard.
The i claim that Raducanu has requested a wildcard after her special ranking (world No 103) was not enough to qualify her for the main draw, as a result of an injury-ravaged 2023 that saw her spend eight months sidelined following surgeries on both wrists.
But the 21-year-old has not received any indication, positive or negative, as to whether she will receive a wildcard with the tournament two weeks away – leaving her sweating over whether she will need to take part in qualifiers.
Raducanu has been granted a wildcard for the ASB Classic in Auckland next week, where she will make her initial return from injury as he bids to enjoy a healthier 2024.
She is then expected to head to Australia regardless of whether she is given a wildcard and can prepare in Melbourne, or for the qualifiers as she was previously confirmed as one of the entrants for the qualifying draw.
The Brit may have another chance of skipping qualifying should three more players pull out of the tournament through injury, after Caty McNally recently withdrew.
Tennis Australia has already given a wildcard to 2018 champion Caroline Wozniacki, who is coming out of retirement to compete. A further two spots will be handed to French and American players as part of an agreement with their respective opens.
Another wildcard is typically reserved for a player from the Asia-Pacific region, leaving four more for Australian women in their home event.
Raducanu may have hoped for sympathy from the tournament organisers as she makes her comeback from injury, but could instead be forced to go through the qualifiers.
