Tennis fans rage at 'disgraceful' decision after Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka withdraw from charity match

Osaka was the first to withdraw, with Donna Vekic stepping in at short notice to face Raducanu.

Yet the Briton, who has played just two matches since April, then followed suit after feeling 'sore' following a lengthy practice session on Monday night.

The official Australian Open X account has revealed fans will be given a full refund.

They'll also have access to Melbourne Park, too.

Yet many were displeased, with one user on social media branding the decision to cancel the match a 'disgrace'.

"So not cool. Not everyone got the texts. People would have left already as it was nearly sold out," they said.

"Disgraceful letting some people know so late in the day."

A second said: "20 minutes and still no email or text from Ticketmaster informing ticket holders of this.

"People have already [left] or are about to head out now, I reckon a lot would’ve just stayed home if they knew there’s no match."

A third fumed: "This is so unprofessional lol. People legit travelled across the country for this."

And a fourth vented their fury by saying: Three things you can be sure of: Death, taxes [and] Raducanu pulling out of an exhibition match."

Other fans are worried about Raducanu, however, given her injury issues over the past couple of years.

"That's disappointing news. I hope she's okay and that it's nothing serious," said one tennis follower.

"It's always a bummer when athletes have to withdraw from events due to injuries or other reasons. I wish her a speedy recovery…"

And a second said: "Probably the right idea to not take any unnecessary risks especially considering she only recently returned from multiple injuries and surgeries and with the Australian Open around the corner as well."

Raducanu will be hoping her minor problem is nothing serious.

She was impressive after making her return to tennis, despite recently losing to Elina Svitolina.

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And Raducanu said after that defeat that she was happy with the way she performed.

"Yeah I think I can take away my level was pretty high for two sets," she said at a press conference.

"Two long sets which lasted like two hours 15 and yeah, I'm pretty proud of how quickly I was able to get my level up to be able to compete with Elina.

"And yeah, I think that she gives you nothing you really have to win the match and win the set.

"I did that really well in the first set, then second set I had a few chances in the breaker.

"Did the exact same, I went for the shots that got me the first set but I just missed them.

"So...I mean...that was it."