Emma Raducanu has declared she will “do everything she can” to be ready for her first-round match at Wimbledon on Monday, quashing fears of a late withdrawal. The British No.1, seeded 30th, has been battling a lower leg niggle that forced her to miss four days of training in the build-up to the Championships.
Injury Disrupts Preparation
Raducanu cut short a practice set with Anna Kalinskaya when she returned to training on Saturday and postponed her pre-tournament press conference. However, she showed small signs of improvement in another practice session on Sunday and confirmed she is currently planning to compete.
The 2021 US Open champion is scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic on Court 1 at 1pm on Monday. She spoke less than 24 hours before the match, easing concerns about her participation.
Raducanu's Determination
“I’m doing everything I can to be ready,” Raducanu said, according to reports. The 23-year-old has been managing the injury carefully, with her team monitoring her condition daily. Her decision to play comes after a disrupted week that raised doubts about her fitness.
Raducanu has a history of injury struggles, including wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023. This latest setback, described as a “lower leg niggle,” is not believed to be serious but has impacted her preparation.
Opponent and Context
Raducanu faces Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, ranked 89th in the world, in what will be their first meeting. Ruzic, 22, reached the second round of Wimbledon last year. Raducanu, a former top-10 player now ranked 42nd, is seeking to recapture the form that saw her win the US Open in 2021.
Wimbledon organisers confirmed Raducanu’s match remains scheduled as planned. The All England Club has not issued any statement regarding a potential withdrawal.
Fans and Pundits React
Tennis fans expressed relief on social media after Raducanu’s update. Former British No.1 Tim Henman said: “It’s good to see Emma committed to playing. She’s had a tough time with injuries, but she’s a fighter.”
Raducanu’s participation is a boost for the tournament, which has already seen several high-profile withdrawals due to injury, including Jannik Sinner, who underwent tests earlier in the week.
