Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, on Tuesday withdrew from the Auckland Classic due to a "back niggle", impacting her preparations for the Australian Open.
The British player will head to Melbourne for rehabilitation before the year's first major tournament commencing January 12. Since her remarkable victory in New York in 2021, Raducanu has encountered numerous physical setbacks.
"I've tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here," stated the world number 56. "But unfortunately I've picked up a back niggle and I won't be ready in time."
To enhance her physical resilience, Raducanu is working with esteemed fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura. She spent considerable time away from courts in 2023 recovering from wrist and ankle operations, followed by a two-month absence due to foot issues.
The tournament faced additional withdrawals, including second seed Elise Mertens, whilst third seed Amanda Anisimova lost to fellow American Alycia Parks 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Four of the eight seeds exited in the opening round.
Top seed Madison Keys advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. "I feel like we all come out, we're a little bit nervous, but it's obviously so much fun to be back out here," Keys remarked.
The world number 21 will face Jaqueline Cristian next, who progressed after Yuliia Starodubtseva's retirement. Sofia Kenin defeated Wang Xiyu 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, setting up a clash with fifth seed Clara Tauson.
