Emma Raducanu Wimbledon Withdrawal Fears After Training Cut Short 2026

Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon participation is in serious doubt after the British No 1 was forced to abruptly end a practice session at the All England Club just two days before her scheduled first-round match. The 30th seed had been managing a right foot injury since her impressive run to the final at Queen's Club, and her latest setback has sparked intense speculation about a potential withdrawal from the Grand Slam event.

Raducanu had not trained for two days after being spotted leaving the venue wearing a medical boot on her right foot. She returned to the practice courts on Saturday afternoon with heavy tape on her right ankle and lower leg, initially warming up with Anna Kalinskaya on the Aorangi Park practice courts before moving to Court 3. However, her mood quickly soured once she was forced to move dynamically during points.

Practice Session Cut Short

The former US Open champion struggled to push off her right ankle when striking the ball, and her frustration became evident. Down 0-4, 0-15, Raducanu netted a backhand while off-balance and then gestured to Kalinskaya that she could no longer continue. After embracing the Russian at the net, Raducanu and her coaching team left the court in a solemn mood with 15 minutes still remaining in their scheduled session.

Kalinskaya and her team finished their court time with feeding drills, while Raducanu's pre-tournament media duties, originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, were rescheduled for Sunday. The timing of this injury is particularly cruel, as Raducanu had appeared to turn a corner after struggling for form and fitness throughout the 2025 season.

A History of Physical Setbacks

This injury is the latest and most frustrating physical problem for the 22-year-old. She was sidelined for most of the off-season by a foot injury, struggled with a virus for much of February, and was then forced off the court for two months between March and May due to post-viral illness. The grass-court season began with Raducanu searching for her first win in three years, but she played some of her best tennis to reach the final at Queen's Club.

Now, instead of focusing on improving as a player, Raducanu is once again trying to keep her body in one piece. She was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon in 2023 after having surgery on both wrists and an ankle, and she struggled with back pain in the buildup to Wimbledon 2024. The pattern of recurring injuries has raised serious questions about her long-term physical durability on the WTA Tour.

What's at Stake?

Raducanu is scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic, the Croatian ranked No 60 in the world, on No 1 Court at 1pm on Monday. A withdrawal would be a devastating blow to the home crowd and tournament organizers, who had hoped to see the 2021 US Open champion build on her Queen's Club momentum. According to BBC Sport, Raducanu's medical team is monitoring the situation closely, and a final decision is expected after her rescheduled media conference.

The All England Club has declined to comment on the situation, but sources indicate that Raducanu will undergo further assessment on Sunday morning. If she withdraws, Ruzic would face a lucky loser from the qualifying draw, altering the dynamics of the women's singles bracket.

Expert Analysis

Tennis injury specialist Dr. James Walker noted that repeated foot and ankle issues in young players often stem from underlying biomechanical problems. “When a player like Raducanu has multiple lower-body injuries in a short span, it suggests a need for comprehensive rehabilitation rather than just treating symptoms,” he told Tennis.com. “The transition from hard courts to grass puts extreme stress on the lower limbs, and if the foot isn't 100%, the risk of compensatory injuries is high.”

Former British No 1 Tim Henman expressed sympathy for Raducanu but emphasized the importance of long-term health. “At 22, she has plenty of time, but she needs to get a sustained run of fitness,” Henman said in an interview with Sky Sports. “If she's not ready, she shouldn't risk it. Wimbledon will be there next year.”

FAQ

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available from Raducanu's camp and the All England Club.