Emma Raducanu pulled out of a charity match scheduled for Tuesday as part of her preparation for the Australian Open, citing discomfort.
Naomi Osaka, who was initially set to compete against Raducanu, had withdrawn from the match. However, Donna Vekic took her place and faced the British player at Melbourne Park.
According to a report from BBC Sport, Raducanu woke up on Tuesday feeling slightly uncomfortable after a two-hour practice session the day before. As a result, she chose to rest instead of participating in the charity match. The surprising champion of the 2021 US Open is preparing to make her return to grand slam tournaments next week in Melbourne. This comes after being absent since April 2023 due to surgeries on her ankle and wrist.
Raducanu, who received a spot in the Australian Open main draw due to other players pulling out, is set to face 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva at the Kooyong Classic on Thursday. The Australian Open draw will also be announced on that day.
