Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the 2026 Wimbledon championships after a stress fracture in her foot, the British No 1 confirmed on the eve of the tournament. The 23-year-old had been nursing a leg injury and hoped to play, but a final scan on Sunday evening revealed the injury had worsened.
Raducanu's Statement
In an Instagram story, Raducanu wrote: “Hi everyone, 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.”
Impact on the Tournament
Raducanu was the 30th seed and was scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic on Court 1 in her opening match on Monday. Her withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as she was one of the top British hopes. The 23-year-old had shown strong form recently, reaching the final at Queen's Club a fortnight ago, where she lost 6-0 7-6 (8-6) to Croatia's Donna Vekic.
Injury History
Raducanu has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and this latest setback is particularly cruel given her promising run at Queen's. She has undergone multiple surgeries and missed several tournaments due to various ailments. The stress fracture will require rest and rehabilitation, and it is unclear when she will return to competition.
Reaction and Support
Fans and fellow players have expressed support for Raducanu on social media. The All England Club also released a statement wishing her a speedy recovery. British tennis officials have noted that her absence will be felt, but they remain optimistic about her future.
