Australian Open News: Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu Announce Sad Update as Novak Djokovic Gets Back to Full Flow in Practice

Another day closer to the Australian Open 2024, and another day with the world of tennis filled with news. From Naomi Osaka pulling back from the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic making positive progress, and Ben Shelton preparing for a Grand Slam push, here are all the Australian Open News updates you need.

Naomi Osaka pulls out of highly anticipated exhibition clash with Emma Raducanu

After a fiery start in the Brisbane International, Naomi Osaka’s exhibition match with Emma Raducanu in the Rod Laver arena headlined the Australian Open news. However, just as the match approached, Osaka pulled out, leaving Emma Raducanu to face off Croatian Donna Vekic.

While most fans were disappointed to hear Osaka’s decision, her explanation offered some clarity. The reason for not playing the match was to better prepare herself for the first Grand Slam of the year. With the Australian Open mere days away, resting and preparing herself for her first slam back in a long time was the bigger priority.

Additionally, Rafael Nadal‘s injury woes from the Brisbane International seem to have instilled a sense of caution within the tennis community. The risk of injury while playing the exhibition match remained, against the heavy cost of missing an important tournament.

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While fans certainly miss Osaka’s fiery brand of tennis, it will be just a short wait till the Australian Open to see her in action. In the meanwhile, Raducanu’s tie with Vekic keeps entertaining fans.

Novak Djokovic leaves the demons of his wrist injury with initial practice at the Australian Open

Coming off a packed season opener, Novak Djokovic found himself dealing with an injury to his wrist. The first of it surfaced during the United Cup, with Djokovic eventually losing his game against Aussie sensation Alex de Minaur. His initial practice sessions showed positive signs, with the world number 1 looking in good shape.

Most notably, the issues the injury caused to his forehand during the United Cup loss look less evident. As a clip of Djokovic practicing took social media by storm, tennis fans breathed a sigh of relief. Competing for an 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam, fans remained worried about his availability for the tournament.

Despite Nadal not competing in the tournament, Djokovic still has a challenge on his hands. With Carlos Alacarz, Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner, Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, and Andrey Rublev all gunning for the win, the Serb has a fight waiting for him. One thing fans are certainly bummed about not seeing is a Nadal-Djokovic match-up. With both players approaching what looks like the last years of their careers, watching a match between two tennis giants certainly has fans in tears. But perhaps an up-and-coming sensation will give some hope.

Ben Shelton gears up for the Australian Open

The star who marked his arrival at the US Open quickly turned from an underdog to a big name. Ben Shelton enters the big leagues with the Australian Open, competing with some of the biggest names in the tennis world. The American star remains unfazed, ready to take on a massive challenge.

As he gears up for the Australian Open, Shelton emerges as a confident individual. The American sensation opened up about his experiences on the court. “I’m not nervous any more, you know, it just feels like a normal practice. But, yeah, it’s cool to be around those guys. It’s been quick for me the change; from not really being on tour and not knowing anyone to feeling like I know everybody out here.”

2024 remains an important year for Shelton. While 2023 saw him practice with big names like Nadal and Djokovic, this year will see him set lofty goals for himself. Even though he did not reveal his actual plans, most fans expect him to gun for titles.

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