Positive COVID-19 test forces Emma Raducanu out of Abu Dhabi event
- Seb Sternik
- 14 December 2021
The US Open champion was scheduled to compete in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship – an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Raducanu travelled to the United Arab Emirates where she was due to face Olympic champion Belinda Bencic on Thursday.
After testing positive for COVID-19, the teenager must now complete a period of isolation before resuming her preparation ahead of the new season - providing she does not experience any lingering illness.
In a statement released by organisers, the 19-year-old said: "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 illness does disrupt Raducanu's first proper pre-season training block, where she has been working with new coach Torben Beltz ahead of what will be her first full season on the WTA Tour.
The teenager will also be in isolation for Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, where she is the hot favourite to win the top prize.
The world No. 19 is the big favourite to claim the award after her remarkable US Open triumph in New York in September.
Raducanu's breakthrough year saw her reach the fourth round of Wimbledon before a stunning run from the qualifiers to victory at Flushing Meadows.
