Another cruel setback for Emma Raducanu as former champion is forced to miss US Open
WTATuesday, 04 August 2026 at 01:00
Emma Raducanu’s difficult 2026 season has taken another major setback, with the former US Open champion confirming she will miss this year’s tournament due to a stress fracture in her right leg. The British No. 1 had already been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon and the Canadian Open, and her latest absence means she will miss the tournament where she produced one of the greatest breakthrough runs in tennis history.
The decision comes after Raducanu suffered the injury during the grass-court swing, eventually pulling out of Wimbledon after a late evaluation with her medical team. Although the 23-year-old had recently returned to training while wearing a protective boot, the timeline of her recovery made her participation at Flushing Meadows increasingly unlikely.
For Raducanu, the US Open withdrawal extends a frustrating period marked by repeated physical setbacks. After showing promising signs earlier in the season, including her best grass-court campaign since winning her maiden Grand Slam title, another injury interruption has once again halted her momentum at a crucial moment.
The latest setback also creates uncertainty around the remainder of her 2026 season. With Raducanu unable to defend important ranking points from last year’s North American hard-court swing, including runs at the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open and US Open, she faces a significant drop in the rankings and could fall outside the world’s top 100.
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From Queen’s final to another injury setback
Raducanu’s year had already been complicated before finding a spark during the grass season. A foot injury disrupted her pre-season preparation, while a post-viral illness forced her to spend around two-and-a-half months away from competition after becoming ill in February.
She eventually returned during the clay-court swing, but her comeback was interrupted again as she struggled to regain consistency. The Brit missed a large portion of the season before rediscovering confidence on grass, where she produced one of the strongest stretches of her career since her 2021 US Open triumph.
Great Britain's Emma Raducanu with the runners up trophy following her loss to Croatia's Donna Vekic after the Women's singles final match on day seven of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club
At the Queen’s Club Championships, Raducanu reached the third final of her career and her second final of the 2026 season, defeating several high-level opponents along the way. However, she fell short against Donna Vekic in the championship match, and the physical cost of that run soon became apparent.
The stress fracture that followed forced her out of Wimbledon, ending hopes of building on that momentum at the All England Club. Since then, Raducanu has been unable to return to competition, withdrawing from both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open before now officially confirming her US Open absence.
Ranking pressure grows after another lost opportunity
The timing of the injury is particularly damaging because Raducanu was set to enter one of the most important parts of her season. Last year, she reached the third round at the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open and US Open, meaning she was carrying a considerable number of points to defend during the North American hard-court swing.
As a result, her ranking is expected to fall significantly from her current position near the top 50. Raducanu could drop outside the top 90 and potentially put her place inside the top 100 at risk, creating additional challenges for tournament entry and seeding opportunities in the final months of the season.
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The Brit had hoped 2026 would represent a more stable chapter after reuniting with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her during her historic US Open title run. However, injuries have limited their time together, preventing Raducanu from building the continuity needed to return to her best level.
For now, Raducanu’s focus will remain on recovery rather than competition. After a year that briefly offered signs of a resurgence at Queen’s, another injury has forced her to wait for her next chance to return to the court.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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