Emma Raducanu has criticised the indoor courts on the ASB Classic in New Zealand after struggling a probably expensive ankle harm 11 days earlier than the beginning of the Australian Open.
The British primary, 20, was in tears as she was compelled to withdraw from her second-round match in opposition to Viktoria Kuzmova initially of the third set having rolled her ankle.
The contest had been moved indoors resulting from rain in Auckland, however Raducanu was not pleased with the usual of the enjoying floor.
“It’s difficult to take,” Raducanu mentioned. “I’ve put a lot of physical work in the last few months and I’ve been feeling good and optimistic.
“So to be stopped by a freak injury, rolling an ankle is pretty disappointing, in the first week as well. I thought I was playing some pretty decent tennis.
“The courts are incredibly slick, like very slippery, so to be honest it’s not a surprise that this happened to someone.
“It’s out of my control and after a very long day of waiting around. But we’ll assess over the next few days and see what the next steps are.”
Raducanu had breezed via the opening set 6-0, however Kuzmova hit again to take the second 7-5.
Raducanu referred to as for medical remedy earlier than the beginning of the third set, and it shortly turned obvious she couldn’t proceed.
Raducanu ended her 2022 season early after struggling a wrist harm in October, however had began 2023 by rallying for a 4-6 6-4 6-2 victory over rising Czech expertise Linda Fruhvirtova, 17, on Tuesday.
