The Australian Open is steadily filling its main draw as the opening grand slam of the 2024 season approaches, set to begin in the second week of January. The 15-day event announced seven wildcard entries from the men’s and women’s draws. One of the notable absentees from the wildcard was Emma Raducanu, who is set to make her return to the tour.
Raducanu has yet to be issued a wildcard at the Australian Open. Fans will be excited to welcome Caroline Wozniacki back to Melbourne. She had last played at the event in 2020 and had won the title in 2018. The former world No. 1 had reached the fourth round at the US Open two months ago. It will be a nostalgic trip for Wozniacki as she continues her comeback journey in the sport.
So good! Hey Siri, play ‘Sweet Caroline’ in 2024 🎧 🏆 👋 @CaroWozniacki pic.twitter.com/3D7srlYD3P
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 6, 2023
The event organizers awarded the Danish player and six more Australians the wildcard. Few players will be entering the event with the help of protected rankings. The Australian also announced the entry list of over 100 players from the men’s and women’s sides. The organizers will confirm the final draw on January 11 after the qualifiers end.
Emma Raducanu is hoping to overcome early hurdles in Australia
There was hope for Raducanu to have a more straightforward passage in Melbourne. She last played at the Porsche Grand Prix in April and has been recovering from her wrist injury ever since. The former world No. 10 will be getting ready to play the qualifying matches starting on January 8th. A direct entry into the main draw would have resulted in fewer matches and more time for Raducanu.
Raducanu won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, but the schedule is a bit more relaxed this time. Players will have ample time to recover for their matches. The British player will need to undergo four days of qualifying and then enter the main draw along with her rivals. Raducanu has spoken about mentally preparing herself and understands she cannot rush into the results.
Emma Raducanu is expected to return to tennis at the Australian Open with protected ranking of 103 🇦🇺
As it stands, she will have to go through qualifying or be granted a wildcard.
The 2021 US Open champion has not played a match since April after three surgeries🤕 pic.twitter.com/t6FTXGK9Lq
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 6, 2023
The 21-year-old has developed patience on her way to recovery. After a prolonged absence, Raducanu is one of the few players who will join the WTA tour. The 2024 Australian Open looks promising as the stars look forward to starting the season with a winning streak. Raducanu will now keep practicing on the court and has sufficient time to break back into the tour as she did in the past.
