Raducanu Faces Tight Deadline to Regain Full Fitness for Australian Open

Emma Raducanu is in a rush to regain full fitness for the Australian Open after revealing her limited tennis practice during the off-season. The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from Britain's opening match at the United Cup event due to a foot problem that persisted throughout pre-season. In her first match since October, Raducanu lacked the necessary sharpness and stamina, losing 6-3 3-6 6-1 to Maria Sakkari. Raducanu expressed pride in her ability to play a three-set match despite the circumstances, having only played five or six games in practice. She spent her pre-season training block in the gym with coach Francisco Roig and only recently increased her racket work. Raducanu is set to compete in the Hobart International on January 12 before the Australian Open begins on January 18.