Emma Raducanu has confirmed she will return from injury to play in Hong Kong this month. The former US Open champion has been out of action since her latest injury blow, spraining ligaments in her foot at the Korea Open last month.
That forced her to retire from her clash with Daria Katsatkina, and also ruled her out of the China Open that followed.
She had initially hoped to come back for the Ningbo Open, but then was also ruled out of the tournament in Hangzhou Bay which led to speculation her issue was a long-term one.
But the 21-year-old has now taken to social media to post a video message to fans. And she revealed that she will be entering the Hong Kong Tennis Open, which gets underway on October 28.
“Hello everyone, it’s Emma Raducanu here,” she said. “I really cannot wait to come and play the Prudential Women’s Hong Kong Open. It’s my first time playing the WTA event there, but I was there in December last year and I really loved the city.”
Seemingly delighted to be able to participate at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, she added: “So I’m very much looking forward to coming and I hope to see you all there in October.”
Among the stars already confirmed are top seed Danielle Collins and defending champion Leylah Fernandez. Raducanu’s compatriot Katie Boulter meanwhile, is seeded fifth.
The WTA 250 tournament could mean crucial playing time for Raducanu given it’s her last chance for action before the Billie Jean King Cup finals. The team tournament gets underway on November 13 in Spain, with Team GB drawn against Germany in the first round.
Raducanu has been plagued by form and fitness issues ever since her remarkable win at the 2021 US Open. In 2023 she underwent both wrist and ankle surgeries, but showed glimpses of her best form at Wimbledon this summer as she made the last-16.
However, she has played just three tournaments since her run at SW19, including at Flushing Meadows. Raducanu was a set down in the quarter-finals in Korea before being forced off court.
Her world ranking currently stands at No.54, having been as high as 10 just over two years ago. That gives the status as British No.2, sandwiched between Boulter and Harriet Dart.
