Emma Raducanu may have been absent from the Hong Kong Open due to injury, but her presence was still felt, thanks to the admiration of a dedicated fan who couldn’t help but compliment her in front of one of her former rivals. The 21-year-old British tennis star has been sidelined since the Korea Open in September after sustaining a foot ligament strain that forced her to withdraw from subsequent tournaments, including the much-anticipated WTA event in Hong Kong.
Despite Raducanu’s absence, the Hong Kong Open has been bustling with other notable players, including British No. 1 Katie Boulter and Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who faced Raducanu in the memorable 2021 US Open final. Fernandez, who Raducanu defeated to secure her maiden Grand Slam title, has made the most of her time in Hong Kong, both on and off the court.
The Canadian star went viral earlier this week for her playful antics as she went “undercover” as a volunteer at the tournament. In a video shared by the Hong Kong Open’s official Instagram account, Fernandez was seen introducing herself, saying, “I’m Leylah Fernandez, and I’m going undercover.” Donning a volunteer staff t-shirt, sunglasses, and a cap to complete her disguise, Fernandez mingled with fans and assisted them with their entry wristbands at the tournament gates. She even joked with fellow volunteers, pretending to be a newcomer, saying, “This is my first day, I’m trying to learn.”
As she interacted with fans, Fernandez asked one group who they were most excited to see in action. One spectator cheekily replied, “Whoever is the prettiest,” prompting Fernandez to ask, “Who is the prettiest in your opinion?” In a touching moment, the fan mentioned Raducanu, saying, “Emma is not here, but she is pretty.” Even from afar, Raducanu’s charm and popularity resonated with fans, reminding everyone of her star quality, even during an absence filled with injury struggles.
On her official X (formerly Twitter) account last week, Raducanu shared an update about her recovery and expressed her regret over missing the Hong Kong Open. “Hellooo,” she began, “I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit.” Raducanu also revealed her goal of representing Great Britain in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) finals, set to begin on November 13, a high-stakes team competition where Raducanu’s presence could prove invaluable for Team GB. She added, “I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC.”
Raducanu’s recovery has been a top priority for her, as this latest foot injury is just one in a series of physical setbacks that have impacted her career since her breakout 2021 season. After undergoing double wrist and ankle surgeries earlier in 2023, Raducanu missed most of the season and had to work rigorously on her rehabilitation to rejoin the tour. Nonetheless, her 2024 return has seen glimpses of a resurgence, with her fourth-round performance at Wimbledon in July marking her best Grand Slam run since her historic win in New York.
As Raducanu focuses on her recovery, Fernandez has continued to shine at the Hong Kong Open, showcasing the tenacity that brought her to the 2021 US Open final. She remains the defending champion at the tournament and has progressed confidently to the semi-finals without dropping a set. In her most recent match, she overcame American Bernarda Pera 6-1, 7-6(7) to secure her spot in the final four. Now, Fernandez is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Russian top seed Diana Shnaider, vying for a place in the final and a potential opportunity to defend her title successfully.
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter, another representative of British tennis and a player who has shown steady improvement in recent years, is also advancing at the Hong Kong Open. Boulter reached the semi-finals after a hard-fought victory over Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova. Next, she will face local favorite Yue Yuan, which promises to be a thrilling encounter as Boulter aims to make her mark on the tournament.
Raducanu’s absence, however, casts a bittersweet shadow over the event, as fans and fellow players alike had looked forward to seeing the young Brit in action. Raducanu has become a global icon since her surprise US Open triumph, and her recent injuries have led to widespread discussion about the demands placed on young players in the sport. The current WTA Tour schedule, known for its relentless pace and intensity, has come under scrutiny, particularly as rising stars like Raducanu, Fernandez, and others frequently battle injuries and lengthy recovery periods.
Experts have pointed out the need for better support structures within tennis to prevent the burnout and physical toll that many young athletes face. Raducanu’s case highlights both the meteoric rise that tennis prodigies can experience and the risks that come with it. Despite these challenges, she has maintained a positive outlook and remains committed to a full recovery, setting her sights on rejoining the tour with renewed strength and focus.
With the Billie Jean King Cup finals just around the corner, fans hope to see Raducanu back on the court, representing Great Britain and adding her unique flair to the event. As she continues her journey, the support she receives from fans worldwide, like the one in Hong Kong, reflects her enduring appeal and potential for even greater accomplishments.
As Fernandez and Boulter fight for the Hong Kong Open title, the absence of Raducanu serves as a reminder of her influence on the sport. Her resilience and dedication to overcoming injuries are a testament to her determination to build a long and successful career. Should her recovery go as planned, Raducanu’s return could bring her back to the pinnacle of tennis, where she will once again have the opportunity to inspire fans and fulfill the immense potential she demonstrated in her breakout 2021 season.