The 20-year-old was forced to miss the French Open and Wimbledon after undergoing operations on both wrists and one ankle at the beginning of May.

She has been rehabilating over the last few weeks but made a big step by hitting for the first time at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton on Wednesday.

Raducanu documented her session, which saw her gently hitting with a practice partner, on Instagram with the caption: "August 2nd, THE FUN PART. 1st time back on court."

The US Open winner, who has been dogged by injuries since her amazing 2021 triumph in New York, will not be fit for the forthcoming tournament at Flushing Meadows, with a return in the Asia or European indoor swing in the autumn more likely.

ETHAN-QUINN

Carlos Alcaraz through to last 16 of Barcelona Open

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