Emma Raducanu announcement leads to 'major spike' as injury comeback takes shape

Raducanu entered 2024 with hopes of getting back up to speed after undergoing double wrist surgery the previous season.

After a slow start to the year, Raducanu began showing top form in the grasscourt season where she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon.

But she's played in just three tournaments since the British slam having suffered several injury setbacks.

The 22-year-old appears is seemingly ready to get back to it this week in Malaga as part of Great Britain's team competing in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

And Raducanu's also begun planning for next season having signed up to start her campaign in Auckland.

It will be the third consecutive time Raducanu starts her year at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.

Raducanu will be hoping the tournament can kickstart her year heading into the Australian Open.

And Lamperin has candidly admitted having Raducanu in the field ultimately helps the tournament financially.

"Someone like Emma will always be on top of our list, she’s a marquee player, her ranking doesn’t really matter in terms of the star power that she brings to the tournament," Lamperin said.

"It's an investment but it's worth it. We’ve seen the effect on ticket sales.

"Every time we have announced her there is always a major spike.

"We have also seen the reaction from our sponsors when we are having a discussion and sharing the possibility that she might be coming.

"She sells tickets and fans want to see her. She has a special relationship with Auckland and New Zealand."

The ASB Classic starts on December 30, meaning Raducanu will be in New Zealand for Christmas and New Year's.

And the world No 58 has revealed she will be staying with a close friend during the tournament.

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“The people are very friendly and very hospitable. I always have a great time there. The weather, when it is nice, is really beautiful,” she said.

“One of my best friends lives in Auckland and her family do too, so I think I will be there for Christmas Day.

"Over the last two years, we have gone an hour north to their beach house and had a barbeque there.

"It is really wholesome. The quality of the meat and fish is so fresh and I am looking forward to it.”