Emma Raducanu confirms next tournament after skipping two events | Tennis | Sport

Emma Raducanu has confirmed she will return from injury to play in Hong Kong this month. The former US Open champion has been out of action since her last injury, spraining ligaments in her foot during the Korea Open last month.

That forced her to withdraw from her clash with Daria Katsatkina, and also ruled her out of the China Open that followed.

She had initially hoped to return for the Ningbo Open, but was then also ruled out of the tournament in Hangzhou Bay, leading to speculation that her problem was a long-term one.

But the 21-year-old has now taken to social media to post a video message to fans. And she revealed she will compete in the Hong Kong Tennis Open, which starts on October 28.

“Hello everyone, it’s Emma Raducanu,” she said. “I really can’t wait to play the Prudential Women’s Hong Kong Open. It’s my first time playing the WTA event there, but I was there last December and I really loved the city.”

Seemingly delighted to be taking part at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, she added: “So I’m really looking forward to coming and I hope to see you all there in October.”

Stars already confirmed include top seed Danielle Collins and defending champion Leylah Fernandez. Raducanu’s compatriot Katie Boulter is now in fifth place.

The WTA 250 tournament could mean crucial playing time for Raducanu as it is her last chance for action before the Billie Jean King Cup final. The team tournament kicks off in Spain on November 13, with Team GB drawing against Germany in the first round.

Raducanu has been plagued by form and fitness issues since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open. She underwent both wrist and ankle surgery in 2023, but showed glimpses of her best form at Wimbledon this summer as she reached the last 16.

However, she has only played three tournaments since joining SW19, including Flushing Meadows. Raducanu was eliminated in the quarter-finals in Korea before being forced off the field.

Her world ranking currently stands at number 54, while she was as high as 10 just over two years ago. That gives it the status of British number 2, sandwiched between Boulter and Harriet Dart.