Emma Raducanu earns Miami Open wild card as latest tennis return takes shape

03 March 2023 , 09:04

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Emma Raducanu will hope to improve her world ranking at next week's Indian Wells Masters (Image: PA)

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has earned a Miami Open wild card as the programme for her latest return takes shape.

The 20-year-old has competed in just four matches this season - including a second round Australian Open exit- but will return to action at the Indiana Wells Masters next week.

The former US Open winner had an injury-plagued campaign in 2022 resulting in her ranking dropping to world No.80. The Brit's ranking drop is already causing her a headache and she had faced having to play in qualifying tournaments to get into the main draw at the Miami Open later this month.

However, due to other players dropping out, Raducanu has received a wildcard into the main draw. The British star will be hoping for a successful month in America, as dropping outside the world top 100 would have have consequences regarding her qualification for major tournaments including Wimbledon.

Next week's Indian Wells Masters is the first 1000-point tournament of the season and a successful run would ease any ranking worries. However, Raducanu's preparation for the tournament has been halted by illness as tonsillitis forced her to pull out of this week's ATX Open WTA Tour Tournament.

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Emma Raducanu was beaten by American Coco Gauff (left) in the Australian Open second round (Getty Images)

“I'm sorry to have to withdraw from the ATX Open,” Raducanu said in a statement. “I am currently suffering from tonsillitis and am unable to compete this week. Thank you to the tournament and the great hospitality here in Austin.”

The Indian Wells Masters begins on Wednesday and Raducanu is also due to play in the Eisenhower Cup one-day mixed doubles tournament beforehand. The British star will partner Cameron Norrie in the short Tie Break Tens format.

Raducanu will then head to Miami for the second of the 'sunshine double' tournaments with first round matches taking place on March 22. The 20-year-old will then return to Europe and begin her clay court season at Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart next month.

Benjamin Goddard