Emma Raducanu has announced her first tennis tournament of 2023 as she starts to prepare for the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old will compete at the ASB Women’s Classic in Auckland, which is scheduled to run from January 2nd to 8th.

It will be the first time the WTA 250 tournament is held after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raducanu’s participation means she will miss the inaugural United Cup, which gets underway in Australia on December 29th.

What has Emma Raducanu said about competing at the ASB Women’s Classic?

Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open, spoke about signing up to the New Zealand tournament.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to New Zealand,” she said. “I’ve heard so many good things about the tournament. It is a great way to start off the Australian Open swing.

“I have heard that the tournament in New Zealand is great for players and fans. New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscape and nature, so I hope I can get to explore some of the other beautiful parts whilst in my time there.”

British star Emma Raducanu playing tennis
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 24: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain hits a shot against EJelena Ostapenko of Latvia during the women's semi final match of the Hana Bank Korea Open Championships at the Olympic Park Tennis Court on September 24, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 24: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain hits a shot against EJelena Ostapenko of Latvia during the women's semi final match of the Hana Bank Korea Open Championships at the Olympic Park Tennis Court on September 24, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

The British star revealed that she was hoping to “gain experience” in 2023, having rocketed up the rankings after her shock victory at Flushing Meadows.

Raducanu has since struggled to find the same form, battling fitness and injuries during a difficult season this year.

“My goals for 2023 are to again gain more experience on the [WTA] Tour,” she said. “It was only my first full year in 2022 and to complete more of the year and remain injury-free as much as possible – that’s my biggest goal.

“A really good physical foundation will hold me in good stead for the future.”

Who will Emma Raducanu be competing against at the ASB Women’s Classic?

Raducanu will be joined in New Zealand by Leylah Fernandez, who she defeated in the US Open Final to clinch her first Grand Slam title.

World number seven Coco Gauff will also play, as will fellow American star Sloane Stephens.

There are sure to be more additions to the line-up in the coming weeks, with players eager to get as much preparation as possible for the Australian Open.

The Grand Slam will run from January 16th to 29th at Melbourne Park.

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