Emma Raducanu appeared poised for a strong opening day performance at Wimbledon after an hour-long practice session on Sunday, which brought fans hope following her run to the final of HSBC Championship recently concluded. But those hopes were dashed at the last moment when the British No.1 announced her withdrawal due to injury concerns.
Raducanu shared on her Instagram story that, although she tried her hardest to participate, she is forced to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon. After having conducted extensive treatments to try to be ready for tomorrow’s start line, after further scans tonight revealed a stress fracture which requires medical advice rather than pushing through further.”
“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,” she added.
Concerns about Raducanu’s fitness had been mounting throughout the previous week. She was first seen wearing a protective boot on Wednesday and subsequently missed training on both Thursday and Friday due to what was believed to be a minor shin issue.
Later, she returned to the practice courts on Saturday, wearing heavy strapping around the lower part of her right leg during the session. The former US Open champion began with a gentle hitting session alongside members of her team, then practiced with 27-year-old Russian Anna Kalinskaya. However, that session ended earlier than expected, as Raducanu stopped around ten minutes before its scheduled conclusion, raising fresh concerns about her condition.
There were signs of improvement during Sunday’s practice. She appeared more comfortable on the court than the previous day, training with her long-time hitting partner Alexis Canter. Raducanu looked less cautious, particularly while pushing off her right leg to execute forehand shots.
Later that day, the 2021 US Open winner admitted that she was willing to take more risks with the injury if it meant competing at Wimbledon. “I’m going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment. The plan right now is to play,” she said. Like many British players, the Bromley native desperately wanted to compete at SW19, which led her to delay the final decision. However, before her scheduled opening-round match against 23-year-old Antonia Ružić, she officially withdrew, marking another setback in her injury-plagued career.
Impact of Injuries on Emma Raducanu’s Career
This latest withdrawal is another painful blow for Raducanu, whose promising career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries since her US Open victory.
Last year, a bone bruise in her right foot prematurely ended her 2025 season in early October. More difficulties arose earlier this year after she reached the Transylvanian Open final in February, soon followed by a viral illness. As a result, she played only six matches from early February until the beginning of Queen’s Club earlier this month.
Your strong showing at the HSBC Championship had raised hopes for an outstanding run at Wimbledon; she’d already reached the fourth round at both events! Unfortunately, however, those hopes faded once more when her body couldn’t hold up under pressure at Wimbledon.
Raducanu currently faces no set timetable or timeline for her return following advice from her doctor, due to an unexpected setback which has put off any possible comeback attempts and left uncertainty as to her path forward.