AUCKLAND: Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu pulled out of the Auckland Classic on Tuesday with a “back niggle” in a blow to her Australian Open preparations. Britain’s Raducanu will now fly to Melbourne to begin rehabilitation ahead of the year’s first major starting on January 12. The 22-year-old has suffered a series of injuries since bursting onto the scene with her New York triumph in 2021. “I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here,” the 56th-ranked Raducanu said.