Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon after a scan revealed the leg injury she had been managing has developed into a stress fracture, ending her hopes of competing at her home grand slam for the second time in four years.
The British number one had addressed the media at the All England Club on Sunday, indicating she was planning to take on Antonia Ruzic on Court One on Monday lunchtime, but her situation changed dramatically late on Sunday evening when a final scan delivered the devastating news.
Writing on Instagram, the 23-year-old 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 withdrawal is a bitter blow for British tennis fans who had been eagerly anticipating Raducanu’s appearance on home soil. She previously missed Wimbledon in 2022 due to a side strain, and her absence this year will again leave the tournament without its highest-profile British women’s contender at the most important event of the domestic tennis calendar.
