It doesn’t look good for Emma Raducanu at the moment. After the highs of the US Open win in 2021, it has been a steep downfall for the British star. Moreover, it looks like her 2024 season has already ended as she announced grim news today. The 21-year-old became the latest player to withdraw from the Hong Kong Tennis Open. The Briton has been suffering from injuries of late and it has been made much worse with Raducanu missing an important tournament.

Raducanu last featured in the Korea Open where she withdrew in the quarterfinals midway. Subsequently, she has been suffering from a foot injury that has kept her away from the action. Raducanu has already missed four tournaments in the Asian leg of the WTA Tour, a part of the season where she has enjoyed good success in the past. However, she wasn’t the only player withdrawing from the tournament in Hong Kong.

24 hours before Raducanu pulled out, Naomi Osaka also withdrew due to an injury. Like Raducanu, Osaka has also played just a solitary tournament in the Asian Swing and remains a doubtful contender to feature in the remaining tournaments this year. “I love visiting the tournament and despite the obvious disappointment of not being able to play, I want to reassure all my wonderful Hong Kong fans that I will still be attending the event,” Osaka said as she announced her withdrawal.

Despite Osaka and Raducanu not featuring in Hong Kong, the region is boosted after the China Tennis Association Tour returns to Hong Kong next month. This year’s tournament will feature the likes of Zhang Shuai, who has climbed as high as No 2 in the world in women’s doubles, as well as 2021 National Games men’s double’s runner-up Sun Fajing.

Despite Raducanu’s 2024 season potentially being over, she is hopeful about a good show next year. Subtle changes in this regard will do her a world of good to perform better next season.

Emma Raducanu issues a stern warning to her rivals

Since her comeback this year after a lengthy injury setback, Raducanu hasn’t had the best of runs. She has performed inconsistently this year, resulting in her ranking dropping out of the top 50. Despite things not going her way lately, Raducanu is confident about taking a step in the right direction in 2025.

She said, “Having been through such big changes, wellness to me now is the inner stillness I feel. For me, that might mean doing hot yoga, reading, learning, studying – anything to cultivate my mind. I take confidence from doing things that really enrich my mind and body and how peaceful I feel. I’m prepared to work hard and do some damage next year.”

Interestingly, just a few days before her withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open, Raducanu had confirmed that she would be in the lineup for that tournament. Thus, it looks like a last-minute decision for the British star, who is still recovering from her unfortunate injury setbacks.