Emma Raducanu setback deepens as British star remains on crutches after Wimbledon withdrawal
WTATuesday, 07 July 2026 at 18:00
Emma Raducanu’s recovery from her Wimbledon withdrawal continues to attract attention after the former US Open champion was spotted still relying on crutches several days after being forced to pull out of the tournament due to a stress fracture.
A fan attending the Championships recently shared a picture of the British star, showing Raducanu standing while using crutches. The image provides the latest update on her condition after she made the difficult decision to withdraw just hours before her scheduled first-round match at the All England Club.
Raducanu had entered Wimbledon with renewed confidence after producing some of her best tennis of the season during the grass-court swing. The 23-year-old reached the final of the Queen’s Club Championships, securing the second final appearance of her 2025 campaign and the first WTA 500 final of her career.
However, the positive momentum was interrupted by a physical setback. After withdrawing from the Nottingham Open due to the issue, Raducanu continued trying to prepare for Wimbledon, but further medical examinations eventually forced her to stop pushing through the injury.
Raducanu forced to withdraw after stress fracture diagnosis
Raducanu had initially remained hopeful of competing at Wimbledon despite concerns surrounding her physical condition. The British No. 1 was scheduled to face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic on Court 1 as the No. 30 seed, but she announced her withdrawal late on the eve of the tournament.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu said in a statement. “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.”
The decision ended what had been a promising build-up for Raducanu, who had looked increasingly comfortable on grass after struggling for consistency during the opening months of the season.
Her run at Queen’s Club represented an important step forward, with Raducanu reaching the final of a WTA 500 event for the first time and showing signs of returning closer to the level that helped her win the 2021 US Open.
📸 Good Vibrations Project's Insta pic.twitter.com/n7hd4N4IXi
— Raducanu News 🫶 (@RaducanuNews) July 6, 2026
Latest update shows Raducanu still recovering away from court
Raducanu’s injury had already raised concerns in the days leading up to Wimbledon. The Brit was not seen practising for several days before the tournament and was spotted wearing a protective boot while managing the issue.
She later returned to the practice courts with Anna Kalinskaya, but images showed strapping around her right ankle area, adding further uncertainty about whether she would be able to compete.
Despite those concerns, Raducanu continued attempting to make the start line at Wimbledon before medical advice ultimately forced her withdrawal. Her absence left the tournament without one of its biggest British attractions, with Harriet Dart taking her place on Court 1 against Jelena Ostapenko.
Emma Raducanu reacts as the match is interrupted by rain during day four of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club
Now, with the latest image showing Raducanu still using crutches, attention turns toward her recovery timeline and when she could potentially return to competition.
The stress fracture represents another frustrating interruption for a player who has repeatedly battled physical setbacks since her breakthrough triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2021. However, her recent performances on grass had offered encouragement that she was building momentum again before this latest setback.
Raducanu has not yet announced a return date, but his priority will be to ensure a full recovery before returning to the court. In previous years, we have regularly seen Raducanu playing in the DC Open to kick off the hard-court swing in North America – in the lead-up to the US Open – but this time she is not among the entries for the first WTA 500 event on North American hard courts.
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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