Emma Raducanu is on the verge of securing a spot in the Australian Open, but there remains a possibility that she might not make it.

Emma Raducanu fell short of securing an automatic place in the Australian Open draw due to her ranking not meeting the criteria. However, she is now on the verge of clinching one of the remaining spots available for the first Grand Slam of 2024.

Following an eight-month hiatus from tennis, during which the 2021 US Open champion underwent surgery on both wrists and her ankle, Raducanu made a triumphant return from injury. In her comeback match at the ASB Classic in Auckland, she displayed resilience in a challenging three-set victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

The former British number one, competing for the first time since April after surgeries on both wrists and one ankle, secured a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 win, marking a promising comeback. However, it’s important to note that even a victory in the Auckland tournament will not impact her chances of being included in the Australian Open draw, given the specific ranking requirements.

Emma Raducanu holds a protected ranking of 103, a result of her extended break from the tour. However, this ranking does not grant her direct entry into the Australian Open draw. Despite her standing as a former Grand Slam champion and one of the prominent female figures in the sport, her eligibility for wild cards is uncertain, as these are typically awarded to home players.

If Emma Raducanu does not receive a wild card and there are not enough withdrawals from higher-ranked players to secure her spot, she will be required to navigate through the qualifying rounds. This was the pathway through which she remarkably secured victory at the US Open in 2021.

Participating in the qualifying rounds may seem appealing to Emma Raducanu, offering an opportunity to compete against players at a slightly lower level. However, circumstances have changed, and she is now on the cusp of potentially entering the Australian Open draw.

Several players have withdrawn from the Melbourne major due to injuries, placing Raducanu just one spot below automatic entry into the singles draw. The allocation of wildcards has also played a role, with former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki securing one and players from France and the US expected to claim two more through a reciprocal agreement with their respective tennis federations. A wildcard from the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated, leaving one additional wildcard available, which could potentially be awarded to Raducanu.

Tournament organizers might prefer another withdrawal to avoid making a decision on Raducanu’s participation. Some have suggested that playing three qualifying games and entering the main draw with matches under her belt could be the optimal strategy.

Raducanu’s preparation for the upcoming Australian Open includes a challenging last-16 match against second seed Elina Svitolina. Despite the difficulties stemming from a prolonged hiatus, Raducanu expresses gratitude for her health and is eager to embark on the season injury-free and in good health.