Emma Raducanu +45 in WTA Rankings after Nottingham Open opponent withdraws

Emma Raducanu has been handed another ranking boost after Francesca Jones’ withdrawal saw her advance to the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open.

The 21-year-old was set to face her British countrywoman Jones in the quarter-finals in Nottingham today after the match was postponed on Friday due to rain.

However, Jones pulled out of the tournament on Saturday morning due to a shoulder injury, meaning Raducanu will face world No 30 Katie Boulter in the last four today.

Jones, who defeated American pair Caroline Dolehide and Ashlyn Krueger to reach the last eight, announced the news in a statement to the LTA.

“Unfortunately, today I’ve had to withdraw from what was an exciting match with Emma,” the world No 249 said. “I’m not in a position to be taking any risks, especially with my last couple of years.

“I think it’s a massive shame, I’ve really enjoyed playing this week and I’ve played at a good level, but I need to continue to think big picture which has got me into the place I’m in so far this year.”

Had the quarter-final clash between Raducanu and Jones gone ahead, the winner would have had to play two matches in a day.

By reaching the semi-finals, Raducanu has climbed 45 places in the live WTA Rankings to a position of world No 164, having entered this week at 209th.

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The 21-year-old could climb as high as 127th in the rankings if she wins the title in Nottingham, while a runner-up result would move her up to 143th as things stand.

The former world No 10 is looking to reach a final for the first time since her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open.

Raducanu and Boulter’s semi-final encounter at the WTA 250 tournament will be their first meeting in an official match.

Following her 6-2, 6-4 quarter-final victory against Magdalena Frech on Friday, Boulter discussed the prospect of facing Raducanu.

“With Emma, we know what she’s capable of,” said the 27-year-old. “She plays very well on a grass court – she plays very well on every court to be fair.

“It’s going to be a battle, it’s going to be a fight but that’s the fun of it. Whatever happens it’s a great week for both of us.”

Boulter is the defending champion in Nottingham, having won her maiden WTA title at the grass-court event last year. The British No 1 added her second tour-level crown at the San Diego Open in March.

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