Injured Emma Raducanu pulls out Of Wimbledon on eve of opening match

Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
Just hours before her highly anticipated opening match, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon 2026 due to a stress fracture in her right leg. The sudden pull-out, confirmed by the 2021 US Open champion via an emotional Instagram post, is a heartbreaking blow for fans and a significant setback for a player who has battled a litany of injuries since her historic triumph. This isn't just another missed tournament; it's a critical moment for Raducanu, who was poised to be a major draw at her home Grand Slam, where she was seeded 30th. Her career since that fairytale US Open win has been a rollercoaster of immense pressure, frequent coaching changes, and recurring physical issues, including multiple surgeries in 2023 on both wrists and an ankle. Despite recent positive momentum, including a run to the final at the Queen's Club Championships, this 'niggle' has been brewing since the clay-court season, highlighting the persistent fragility in her comeback trail. The immediate focus for Raducanu will now shift entirely to recovery, following strict medical advice to prevent further damage. Her withdrawal casts a long shadow over her summer schedule and raises fresh questions about her long-term fitness and ability to consistently compete at the elite level. While the tennis world moves on to watch other stars, all eyes will be on her journey back to full health, hoping this talented young player can overcome yet another physical challenge.