Tennis News: Emma Raducanu withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup Finals due to injury

Despite extensive treatment, the British could not combat a wrist injury, and it is futile to anticipate a strong comeback from Emma Raducanu before the season ends. 

The 19-year-old was listed in the Great Britain team earlier this month, but the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) released a statement that confirmed her withdrawal. 

"Sorry to hear that Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from the BJK Cup Finals," they tweeted. 

"Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Great Britain's squad for the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow due to injury," stated a press release by the LTA. 

The LTA further quoted Emma Raducanu: "It's disappointing to get the news from the doctors that I won't be ready in time, particularly with it being on home soil.

"I tried to do everything possible to get it ready in time, since my last tournament I have been working every day on physical training and rehab. I've got confidence in my teammates and look forward to playing next year."

Emma Raducanu had retired from events in Romania and Mexico before being named in the Great Britain team for the 12-country Billie Jean King Cup Finals, slated to begin on November 8 at the Emirates Arena.

She had sealed a spot alongside Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, and another player added later. 

Emma Raducanu remains a prevalent subject of backlash

Although the tennis teen charmed millions after her staggering US Open victory in 2021, she became a shadow of her previous self, having faced multiple injury issues this season. 

On top of that, the British prodigy faced a neverending streak of criticism from the tennis fraternity for her inconsistency. One of the reasons why she is perceived questionably is her habit of changing coaches. 

She has changed five coaches over 16 months, and her separation from Andrew Richardson, who led her to a spellbinding victory in New York, was criticized by some of the sport's most influential personalities - including the likes of John McEnroe and Chris Evert. 

In addition, her most recent partnership with Russian former top 30 player Dmitry Tursunov received tremendous backlash from the tennis community due to the war inflicted by Russia on Ukraine. 

Emma Raducanu, in response, addressed her coaching changes, "That is a journey [where] I'm learning on the way. But it's just what works for me as an individual."

"It might not work for anyone else and people might look at me like I'm crazy. But I trust my decision-making and my beliefs of what I think is right for myself," she added. 

The young star is expected to face Ons Jabeur at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi in December before the 2023 WTA season commences.