Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu moved into the main draw of the Australian Open after American Lauren Davis pulled out of the Grand Slam with a shoulder injury, organisers said on Wednesday.
Raducanu, who beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Auckland Classic on Tuesday in her return to action following wrist and ankle surgeries, has slipped to number 301 in the world and her protected ranking was not good enough for direct entry to the Melbourne Park Grand Slam.
The 21-year-old Briton was also overlooked for a wildcard and was set to take a similar path as her 2021 Flushing Meadows run when she became the first player in the Open Era to win a major after starting out in the qualifying rounds.
However, the exit of Davis, which followed withdrawals by Karolina Muchova, Petra Kvitova, Irina-Camelia Begu and Caty McNally, opened up a spot for Raducanu in the main draw of the January 14-28 major.
Ferdinand admits doubts over Pochettino's impact on Manchester United
Mbappe out for France's Nations League fixture
Andreeva reaches WTA Finals semis, Svitolina fights back to beat Muchova
Victory Team's Ahmad Al Fahim takes on Dubai T100 for third year running
FIFA clears joint bids for 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cups
