Emma Raducanu’s return date revealed after Australian Open wildcard snub

Emma Raducanu is set to make her return at the ASB Classic in Auckland after the British star was snubbed for an Australian Openwildcard.

Raducanu confirmed her intention to play at the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park this week after she was named on the entry list with a protected ranking of world No.103.

But the 21-year-old has missed out on the initial batch of wildcards offered by the Australian Open, meaning she may have to go through qualifying.

Raducanu has not played since April amid injury problems and subsequent surgery but has been handed a wildcard for Auckland’s ASB Classic, which runs from January 1 to 7.

The 2021 US Open champion will be joined by the likes of Coco Gauff and Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Tour event in New Zealand.

Despite an injury-hit 2023 which saw her only play 10 matches, Raducanu showed glimpses of her quality at Indian Wells in March with a run to the fourth round, only losing to top-seed Iga Swiatek.

But she has lots of work to do in order to return to the top of the sport, with Raducanu currently ranked world No.296 after her long spell on the sidelines.