Raducanu calms the hysteria after pulling from two exhibitions

Emma Raducanu has surfaced after pulling out of a pair of pre-Australian Open exhibition matches, with the 21-year-old wondering what all of the fuss was about.

The 2021 US Open champion whose presence and results on the Tour have been marginal at best since her surprise breakthrough, said she was merely taking a rest to cure a bit of soreness after opening her season with two Auckland matches last week.

 “For a few days after the matches I was sore but I’ve bounced back from that and I’m feeling good now,” the No. 299 said. She is playing the Open under a protected ranking nearly 200 spots better than her current standing.

“I did a lot of good work in the off-season. But regardless of how good I may feel on the court on a particular day or in practice, getting that level of consistency is going to require more time.

“I’ve been doing the right work, doing it consistently. I just need to keep going more and more.”

The Briton who opens in Melbourne against Shelby Rogers in the first round, insists her form is back.

“My level is just too good not to come through if I put consistent work together.”