In a stunning blow to the final Grand Slam of the year, Britain's Emma Raducanu has officially withdrawn from the US Open. The 2021 champion, whose fairytale run in New York captivated the sporting world, will miss the tournament due to a minor surgical procedure.
The 21-year-old sensation confirmed the news herself, stating the decision was made on medical advice. This development throws the women's draw wide open and dashes hopes of a dramatic title defence on the hard courts where she made history.
A Dream Run and Subsequent Struggles
Raducanu's 2021 victory remains one of the most remarkable stories in modern sport. She stormed through the qualifying rounds to claim the title without dropping a single set, a feat never before accomplished by a qualifier. However, her career has since been hampered by a series of injuries and inconsistent form, preventing her from recapturing that magical momentum.
Who Benefits from the Open Draw?
With the British star out, the path to glory becomes clearer for other top contenders. The focus now shifts to powerhouses like reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and current World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Both players are considered favourites on the fast-paced acrylic hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The absence of such a high-profile player is a undoubted disappointment for tournament organisers and fans alike, who had eagerly anticipated her return to the scene of her greatest triumph.
What's Next for British Tennis?
Raducanu's withdrawal leaves a significant gap in British representation at the highest level of the sport. All eyes will now be on her recovery timeline and her planned return to the WTA Tour. The hope for British fans is that this procedure will provide a long-term solution, allowing her to finally build consistency and mount a serious challenge to re-enter the world's top 10.
The US Open 2024 is scheduled to begin on August 26th in New York.
