Emma Raducanu to miss World Tennis Championship after positive COVID-19 test

US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi after testing positive for coronavirus.

The 19-year-old - one of six nominees for the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award - was scheduled to take on Belinda Bencic on Thursday evening.

However, Raducanu has now been forced to enter isolation after contracting COVID-19 and is reported to have displayed mild symptoms of the virus.

A statement from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship organisers read: "Mubadala World Tennis Championship organisers regrettably confirm that Emma Raducana has tested positive for COVID-19 and has withdrawn from this week's Championship.

"Emma is now isolating and following all necessary protocols. We wish her a quick recovery and hope to see her back on the court soon. We are looking at alternative top female competitors to go head-to-head with Belinda Bencic; further updates will be provided in due course."

Raducanu added: "I was very much looking forward to playing in front of the fans here in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately after testing positive for COVID-19, I will have to postpone until the next opportunity. I'm isolating as per rules and hopefully will be able to get back soon."

Great Britain will still be represented in Abu Dhabi by Andy Murray, who is scheduled to face Dominic Thiem on Thursday evening.