Emma Raducanu withdraws from Miami Open amid fresh injury problem

On the eve of her Miami Open first round match, Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the tournament due to a lower back injury.

The Brit had received a wild card entry in the tournament and was due to play former junior grand slam champion Wang Xiyu on Tuesday.

It comes as a fresh blow after Raducanu suffered an injury stricken 2023 season which resulted in surgery to her hands and ankle.

After a long 8-month lay-off from tennis, the 21 year old had returned to the WTA Tour in January this year.

The former US Open winner was finally finding some form after winning two matches in Indian Wells last week and was hoping to build some momentum.

She lost to world number two Aryna Sabalenka, in two tight, quality sets and was showing some of the promising tennis that we have seen from her in the past.

Currently sitting at 288 in the WTA rankings, Raducanu had been given a kind draw at the Miami Open and was expected to rise through the rankings with no points to defend from last season.

However, the new lower-back injury concern has meant a further set-back for the Brit who is scheduled to play in the Billie Jean King Cup tie against France next month.

The tie starts on 12 April, leaving Raducanu with just over three weeks to recover and prepare for the start of clay court season.