Raducanu out of Berlin Open with back issue ahead of Wimbledon

LONDON (AP) — Emma Raducanu will miss next week's Berlin Open because of a back problem, as she tries to get ready for Wimbledon.

The 37th-ranked Raducanu has been dealing with the back issue since before the French Open last month. She took an off-court medical timeout during her quarterfinal loss at Queen's Club to Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen on Friday.

Afterward, the 22-year-old Raducanu said she needs rest.

"I'm not overly concerned that it's something serious," the 2021 U.S. Open champion said, "but I know it's something that's very annoying and needs proper and careful management."

Nine of the top 10 women's players are set to compete in Berlin, a grass-court event players use to prepare for Wimbledon, which starts on June 30.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis