Emma Raducanu’s hopes of being fit for Wimbledon are over after the former US Open champion withdrew from her home major event on medical advice.
Raducanu has been under an injury cloud for the past week after being seen wearing a protective boot and missing practice. During her pre-tournament press conference on Sunday, she vowed to do everything she could to be ready for her first round match against Antonia Ružić.
“I have a lower-leg niggle that I’ve been dealing with since before Queen’s, actually, from the back end of the clay court season. I’ve been managing it,” Raducanu explained.
“I think it’s something that I’d say recently has probably, after Queen’s maybe, during that week, was a lot of load for me. Five matches after having not competed for a while, I think it was just a lot of load.
“I’m just managing it with my team as best as I possibly can, exhausting all options and doing what we can.”
Since conducting her media duties, the 23-year-old underwent further tests, which concluded she has a stress fracture. She had been advised not to play in the tournament to avoid worsening the issue.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu said in a statement.
“I’ve done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow but after a final scan tonight, the ?niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through.
“Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process. I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement. Especially at a time like this, it is invaluable. I look forward to seeing you when I’m back.”
It is only the second time Raducanu has missed Wimbledon since making her main draw debut five years ago. She also didn’t play in 2023 due to recovery from multiple surgeries. Last year, she reached the third round before losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
Prior to the latest injury blow, Raducanu was runner-up at the HSBC Championship’s, in what was her best ever performance at a WTA 500 event. So far this season, she has posted an 11-10 record.
