Raducanu’s exhibition appearance evaporates

Emma Raducanu’s possibilities of making a start at the Australian Open may have taken a late hit as the Brit quit her spot at an ad-hoc exhibition due to have been played at Melbourne Park with Naomi Osaka.

So far, the 2021 US Open champion is still on for an appearance at the Kooyong exhibition, the last chance for a serious hit prior to Sunday’s start  of the major.

The one-off Grand Slam winner will head to Melbourne Park with just two official matches last week in New Zealand making up her return after eight months out injured.

Raducanu claimed that “soreness” would preclude her participation at Melbourne Park hit-out.

Before last week, Raducanu last played in Stuttgart in April before undergoing wrist and ankle procedures.

The No. 299 only gained entry to the Australian Open main draw as five players ahead of her in the queue withdrew.

With her comeback progress on hold, the Brit has made yet another coaching change, bringing back childhood mentor Nick Cavaday for a trial at the Open.

Raducanu later completely abandoned any Grand Slam warmup by also withdrawing from the Kooyong exhibition where she had been due to play on Thursday.