Former US Open champion Raducanu pulls out of Hong Kong Open due to injury

HONG KONG, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from next week's Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024 due to a foot injury, the Hong Kong, China, Tennis Association (HKCTA) announced here on Wednesday.

"I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit," Raducanu said in a statement released by the HKCTA.

"I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future," said the Briton.

Raducanu has been forced out of five tournaments since she sprained ligaments in her foot in the quarterfinal of the Korea Open in September.

"It is unfortunate that Emma is now missing her first WTA tournament in Hong Kong and we send her our best wishes to recover quickly from her injury," said Peter Johnson, HKCTA Director of International Events. "Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and we do hope that she will be back competing as soon as possible."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also announced her withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open due to injury two days ago.

The WTA 250 tournament, slated for Oct. 27-Nov. 3, will feature stars like Russia's Diana Shnaider and Anastasia Potapova, defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada, two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Simona Halep of Romania and Britain's highest-ranked player Katie Boulter.

China's Paris Olympic mixed doubles silver medalist Wang Xinyu, and rising stars Yuan Yue and Wang Xiyu will also feature in the field. ■