2026-06-29 10:40:27

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to injury.

The British number one had been scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic in her opening match at the All England Club on Monday (29.06.26) but was forced to pull out on the eve of the tournament due to a right-foot injury that has hampered her build-up for the event.

In a statement released on Sunday (28.06.26) night, Raducanu said: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon.

“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.”

The injury is a huge setback for Raducanu, who had been aiming to build on her run to the Queen’s final with a strong showing at SW19.

The former US Open champion said: “It’s been tricky. I had a great week at Queen’s Club. All I want to do is to keep building on that momentum. I’ve had a tough start to the season, a lot of time out. Hearing and feeling this is difficult. I have great people around me – that’s one thing that’s really been helping in this latest setback. Having their support, they’re really in it with me. It means a lot to have that.”

Raducanu stressed that she was striving to do her “best every day” in a season that has been plagued by fitness issues.

She said: “It’s difficult waking up each day, not knowing how it’s going to be. Not knowing whether you’re in or out causes a lot of uncertainty. All I can do is my best every day. That’s what I’m doing, whether that’s the treatments, whether that’s the practice.

“I know I’m putting everything I possibly can into each day. With the people around me, they’re pushing me in the right way. Keeping morale and spirits high is important as well. Even if you’re going through a difficult time, I think allowing yourself to have moments of joy when they do come through is important.”

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