Why did Emma Raducanu withdraw from ASB Classic 2025? All you need to know about the Brit’s latest injury
Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu suffered a fresh injury setback that forced her to pull out of the ASB Classic 2025 in Auckland. A lower back injury has caused her to miss the start of the season, and potentially put her Australian Open campaign in jeopardy as well.
Raducanu hinted towards an injury concern during her pre-tournament press conference. She tried her best to handle the situation but it wasn’t meant to be, and the disappointment reflected in her official statement.
“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time,” – Emma Raducanu on her withdrawal from the ASB Classic.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin was aware of Raducanu’s situation, and gave her a Tuesday start so that she could have a shot at playing. Despite the additional time, the Brit couldn’t recover, and withdrew on Tuesday morning (December 31).
“Since she’s been here, she tried every single day to train and do as much rehab as possible, and she found out this morning that it wasn’t going to be enough, so she’s decided to to pull out,” – Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin on Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw.
This is the second time in three years that an injury has interfered with Raducanu’s campaign in Auckland. She made her ASB Classic debut in 2023 with a comeback win over Linda Fruhvirtova. However, an ankle injury forced her to retire halfway through her second-round contest against Viktoria Hruncakova. The Brit’s poor luck with injuries has now become a recurring nightmare for her.
