British tennis prodigy Emma Raducanu is gearing up for her return to action at the Auckland Classic in the New Year after securing a wildcard entry, setting the stage for her anticipated comeback following a lengthy hiatus from the tour.

The former U.S. Open champion faced setbacks this year due to surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, which sidelined her from competitive tennis. However, the 21-year-old remains optimistic about her fitness as she prepares for the commencement of the 2024 season. Witness the best tennis game ever with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Raducanu’s return to Auckland holds significance, marking a year since her emotionally charged exit from the tournament. During a second-round match moved indoors due to inclement weather, Raducanu rolled her ankle and retired against Viktoria Kuzmova, expressing concern about the court’s conditions, labeling it “very slippery.”

Addressing Raducanu’s return, tournament director Nicolas Lamperin expressed her enthusiasm to participate despite her previous withdrawal from the event this year.

Joining a prestigious lineup at the Auckland Classic, Raducanu enters the fray alongside reigning champion Coco Gauff and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki, making her tour comeback after a three-year hiatus for family commitments, received a wildcard for the tournament.

Another wildcard recipient, American Amanda Anisimova, is poised for a return to competition after withdrawing from the tour earlier this year due to burnout and mental health concerns.

Despite missing out on an initial wildcard for the Australian Open, Raducanu aims to make her mark at the prestigious event. With organizers set to allocate four more wildcards for the women’s singles main draw before the tournament begins on January 14, Raducanu’s participation hinges on this selection.

Should she miss out, Raducanu might need to navigate through the qualifying rounds to secure her spot in the competition. As the countdown begins for Raducanu’s highly anticipated return, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await her resurgence onto the competitive stage in 2024. Get the latest updates from the world of tennis only on Nextbet Sports.