WATCH: Emma Raducanu leaves Auckland heartbreak behind, starts preparing for Australian Open

Emma Raducanu looked all set to start her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, one of the buildup events prior to the year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open. However, concerningly, the Brit withdrew from the WTA 250 event citing a back injury, sparking fears regarding her Australian Open participation.

However, Raducanu was later captured practicing for the Melbourne Major. On Thursday, January 2, the official Instagram handle of the Australian Open posted a video of Raducanu practicing in Melbourne.

In the video, Raducanu could be seen hitting backhands, forehands and serves, before smiling for the cameras and leaving the court. The video was shared by a Raducanu fan page on X.

Watch the video of Emma Raducanu practicing in Melbourne below:

Raducanu previously confirmed her withdrawal from the ASB Classic in Auckland saying:

"I tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here but unfortunately picked up a back niggle and won’t be ready in time."

The 2021 US Open champion and former World No. 10 was drawn to face American Robin Montgomery in the first round at Auckland. However, after Raducanu pulled out, the Brit was replaced in the draw by Japan's Mai Hontama.

Recently, Raducanu laid bare what she hopes to do in 2025 after returning to action last year following an injury-plagued 2023.

"I'm just ready to push on and build" - Emma Raducanu on 2025 aspirations

Emma Raducanu (Source: Getty)

Emma Raducanu's injury-ravaged 2023 season compelled the Brit to undergo surgery and rehabilitation. She eventually made her comeback last year, with her rank being a lowly World No. 301 at the beginning of 2024. However, despite not winning any WTA Tour-level titles in 2024, Raducanu climbed over 240 spots throughout the year thanks to some promising displays, ending the year at No. 56.

In a recent interview with The New Zealand Herald, Raducanu reflected on 2024 as "a stepping stone" and expressed her intent on building on last year's positives in 2025.

"I need to give myself a bit more credit because the second half of the year I wasn’t on court as much as a lot of others, but I still ended the year in the 50s. It was a good stepping stone and this year I’m just ready to push on and build," Raducanu said.

The Brit has never made it beyond the second round at the Australian Open since making her debut at the hardcourt Major in 2022. Raducanu's best finish at a Major in 2024 came at the Wimbledon Championships, where she reached the fourth round but then suffered a shock upset at the hands of Lulu Sun.