Emma Raducanu’s preparation for the upcoming season has suffered a blow after she tested positive for COVID-19.
The US Open champion was set to play Belinda Bencic in an exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi later this week. In a statement issued by the organisers, Raducanu is currently in isolation but it has not been confirmed if she is showing any symptoms. Furthermore, no details were given about her positive result and if it is the Omicron variant which has caused alarm among health officials around the world in recent days due to its high transmission rate. However, the extent of the variant is still unknown with research into the strain ongoing.
“I was very much looking forward to playing in front of the fans here in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately after testing positive for COVID-19, I will have to postpone until the next opportunity. I’m isolating as per rules and hopefully will be able to get back soon.” The 19-year-old said in a statement.
Raducanu made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first qualifier in history to win a major title at the US Open. Since January she has risen up the WTA rankings by more than 300. Besides her triumph in New York, she also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and was runner-up at a WTA 125 tournament in Chicago.
Abu Dhabi was set to be the first time the Brit has played a competitive match in front of fans with her new coach in the stands. Raducanu has teamed up with Torben Beltz who is the former coach of Germany’s Angelique Kerber.
On the same day as the positive test announcement, Raducanu has been shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Should she win Raducanu would become the first female tennis player to do so since Virginia Wade back in 1977. The other athletes to be shortlisted are diver Tom Daley, boxer Tyson Fury, swimmer Adam Peaty, footballer Raheem Sterling and Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey.
Meanwhile, organisers of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship are still planning to stage a women’s match at the exhibition event. Bencic, who was crowned Swiss female athlete of the year on Sunday, has been given the all clear to play so far.
“Emma is now isolating and following all necessary protocols. We wish her a quick recovery and hope to see her back on the court soon,” organisers said in a statement.
“We are looking at alternative top female competitors to go head-to-head with Belinda Bencic; further updates will be provided in due course.”
The Championship will get underway on Thursday.
