Emma Raducanu. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu positive for COVID-19, out of Mubadala World Tennis Championship

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/13/21

Emma Raducanu, the new face of women's tennis who shocked the sports world by winning the 2021 U.S. Open this summer, won't be participating in this week's Mubadala World Tennis Championship, as planned.

Per Sky Sports, Raducanu tested positive for COVID-19 after traveling to the United Arab Emirates for the exhibition event that is set to feature fellow big names Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, among others.

"I was very much looking forward to playing in front of the fans here in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately after testing positive for COVID-19, I will have to postpone until the next opportunity," Raducanu said in a released statement. "I'm isolating as per rules and hopefully will be able to get back on court soon."

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship also addressed the matter.

“Emma is now isolating and following all necessary protocols. We wish her a quick recovery and hope to see her back on the court soon,” organisers said in a statement. (2/4) #MWTC
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 13, 2021

“We are looking at alternative top female competitors to go head-to-head with Belinda Bencic; further updates will be provided in due course.” (3/4) #MWTC
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 13, 2021

Raducanu remains on track to travel for next month's Australian Open at some point after Christmas. The 19-year-old will hope to be cleared for the Melbourne Summer Set running from Jan. 3 through Jan. 9.

She's won just two of five competitive matches since her historic victory in New York this past September.

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