Emma Raducanu of Britain has withdrawn from the Miami Open due to a lower back ailment, tournament organizers announced on Tuesday, the 21-year-old’s latest setback.
Raducanu was out of action for eight months last year due to wrist and ankle injuries, but she returned in January and had an encouraging performance at Indian Wells last week, reaching the third round.
“I have been experiencing lower back pain and at this stage of my return to competition I don’t want to risk anything happening,” said Raducanu.
“I really tried my best to be ready and I’m sad to be pulling out of Miami as it’s a cool tournament but wish the event all the best.”
The 2021 US Open winner, who received a wildcard entrance to Miami, was set to face China’s Wang Xiyu in the opening round on Tuesday.
Raducanu underwent surgery on her ankle and both wrists last year.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, defeated her in the third round of the Indian Wells tournament.
Wang will now go vs Slovakian qualifier Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
Romanian Simona Halep returns to play on Tuesday after her four-year doping ban was shortened to nine months and she was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to compete immediately.
Halep, who received a wildcard, will face Spanish player Paula Badosa.
Venus Williams faces Russian Diana Shnaider in the first round.