Emma Raducanu: The former US Open champion says she could be a dangerous opponent for anyone at the Australian Open. Tennis news

Emma Raducanu has announced that she is ready to compete with the best players at the Australian Open after recovering from a back injury.

The 22-year-old, who described herself as a back niggle from last week’s warm-up in Auckland, has been training at Melbourne Park this week.

During the pre-competition press conference, Radukanu explained that the source of the problem was the abuse she suffered during training in London.

“I felt good,” she said. “I think I’ve had a positive training in the last 10 days. Getting back on the court, adapting to the conditions here, it’s been good for me. Now I feel good and I’m ready to give my best here.

“I was warming up one morning, bending over to tie my laces, and I had a spasm. That was it, it took a while to clear up. I’ve had them before. They usually settle down in a few days. But this one was a couple of weeks before I missed a little practice. , I couldn’t play Auckland.

It was another physical setback for Radukan, who played just 10 matches after Wimbledon last year and missed two months with a foot injury before arriving to play for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup in November.

She won all three matches there and her confidence has been boosted by her good performances in practice this week.

“I used to play sets with great players,” she said. “I feel like I’ve more than held my own in those situations and practices. I feel good about my game. I’m looking forward to putting it on the field. I think I can be a dangerous opponent. For anybody, really.”

Raducano She had a tough draw with 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.The 30-year-old was supposed to play at Wimbledon last summer before leaving.

“Obviously it’s a very difficult draw,” said Raducanu of Tuesday’s race. “Being unseeded, you can play any top opponent. She’s an experienced player. I guess I’m coming in with a lower mindset. She’s been in this situation more times than I have.”

A new member of Raducanu’s team this season is renowned fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, hoping to help the former US Open champion improve her fitness and reach her potential.

She’s not expecting overnight results, she says: “I think bodybuilding is an ongoing process. I don’t think it’s something you necessarily set a schedule for.

“Like, ‘OK, I’m going to be the best athlete in a year.’

“I feel very responsive and explosive. I think it comes from my warm-up, not necessarily a warm-up, but like a little session. When I’m done, I feel ready to go. The court.”

“I’m not sure how long it will take. I believe in his work and I believe in his judgment.”

Bulter: That number is in my name

Britain’s leading lady is Katie Boulter, who is seeded 22nd and will be looking to continue her upward trend.

Boulter now has her sights set on the top 10s and showed what a threat she can be to the top players by pushing past world No. 2 Iga Switek at the United Cup last week.

“Iga is one of the best players in the game,” Boulter said. “I definitely felt like I could get over that line. I felt like I was very calm in that situation, which is something I don’t always feel when I play a lot of players.

“I think that kind of mentality will help me win those matches. I believe I can.”

“I believe this number is in my name for a reason. I want to go higher and higher.”

Boulter, who received home support after a match against Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur, opens her campaign against Canada’s Rebecca Marino on Tuesday.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

• ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
• Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
• Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
• Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – 3-8 February
• Qatar Total Energy Open (WTA 1000) – 9-15 February
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – 16-22 February

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours as well as the US Open in New York in 2025 on Sky Sports. Release with NOW And the Sky Sports app will give customers access to more than 50 per cent of live sports this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.