Emma Raducanu will play in qualifiers for the first time since her 2021 US Open triumph at the Abu Dhabi Open. The British star has accepted a qualifier wildcard from tournament bosses after landing in the UAE to take part in the event.

Raducanu spent last week at the Singapore Open but lost in three sets against Cristina Bucsa. The 22-year-old had a disrupted start to the year and did not play any competition action before the Australian Open.

She defied expectations in Melbourne, reaching the third round. Iga Swiatek ultimately defeated her 6-1 6-0 in a comfortable victory.

Raducanu has now flown to the UAE to participate in the Abu Dhabi Open. Tournament bosses offered her a qualifying wildcard, which she has accepted.

It will be the first time Raducanu has played in the qualifying rounds of a tournament since she won the US Open in 2021. Then aged 18, she went all the way to win the Grand Slam, beating Leylah Fernandez in the final.

Raducanu turned down the opportunity to play in French Open qualifiers last year.

She has arrived in Abu Dhabi with only her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura. Raducanu is looking for a new coach after Nick Cavaday left her team to focus on his health. Her next coach will be the seventh of Raducanu’s professional career.

Cavaday started working with Raducanu before last year’s Australian Open up until this year’s edition of the Grand Slam. Her previous coaches include Nigel Sears, Andre Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov and Sebastian Sachs.

"I'd like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit, especially post-surgeries," Raducanu said. "I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we'll stay in touch."

Raducanu had enjoyed the continuity she shared with Cavaday, who she has known since she was 10. The world No. 56 has faced criticism for churning through coaches but insists that is not what she wants.

"I've never really wanted that. In the past, unfortunately, it hasn't always worked like this," she said. "When I enjoy it, and it's a good energy, then it's a nice feeling. I also see how much I've developed in the last year as well, on and off the court."

Raducanu will be hoping for a year free from injuries and inconsistent form. Her last two seasons have been hampered by the recovery from three separate surgeries on her wrists and ankle in 2023.