Emma Raducanu broke down in tears during her US Open practice on Saturday, raising concerns over her fitness ahead of the major.
This is the first Grand Slam the the 19-year-old will start as a defending champion.
ALSO READ: Five first-round matches to watch out for at US Open
During a practice session on Friday, she appeared to tearfully complain about a problem with her right hand and was consoled by her new coach Dmitry Tursunov.
The Brit stopped her practice session twice and later appeared with tape on her right wrist, breaking down in tears at one stage.
Upgrade your serve with our FREE guide
“I had a few small things, got a couple of blisters, a bit of a niggle here and there. It’s just one of those weird days where you just feel a bit out of it,” she told reporters a few hours later.
“I can’t really explain myself, to be honest. I’m sure everyone in this room has probably had a day like that. I have no concerns of an issue, no.”
ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic out of US Open
Raducanu, who won US Open last year after starting the Slam as a qualifier, has suffered a few injury concerns in the last 12 months.
Seeded 11th at the 2022 US Open, she will open her title defence against Grand Slam veteran Alize Cornet.
ALSO READ: Ukraine fan kicked out of match between Russian players
“I think you guys are thinking probably more about pressure and ranking than me,” she said.
“I think defending a title is just something that the press makes up. I’m just taking it one match at a time.
ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek slams lighter tennis ball rule
“Like, every single player is very capable in this draw. I just focus on what I’m doing, my own trajectory. As I said last year, I’m just going to do things my way.”
