Emma Raducanu will make her return to action following her stunning US Open triumph at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells next week.
Raducanu became the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam and the first female British major champion in 44 years when she beat fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the final at the end of a remarkable run at Flushing Meadows.
The 18-year-old has been handed a wildcard into the tournament, which is considered one of tennis’ most prestigious events outside of the four Grand Slams. It is usually staged in March but has been delayed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Raducanu has hardly played on the tour due to a combination of the pandemic and a decision to focus on her A-Levels prior to this summer.
Having completed her studies, the Briton has risen to No22 in the world on the back of her US Open success, having started her campaign in New York ranked 150th, and is also now the British No1.
However, the cut-off for qualification for Indian Wells came prior to her surge, meaning she needed a wildcard in order to move straight into the main draw, rather than have to go through qualifying.
The news of Raducanu’s participation comes the day after World No1 Ash Barty confirmed her withdrawal.
