Emma Raducanu has sparked fears of a Wimbledon withdrawal after cutting short a training session at the All England Club on Saturday. The 2021 US Open champion was seen leaving the practice courts after just 45 minutes, having appeared to experience discomfort during drills.
Training Cut Short
Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries throughout her career, was scheduled to practice for an hour but ended the session early. She was accompanied by her coach, but neither made any immediate comment. The British No. 1 is set to begin her Wimbledon campaign on Monday against a qualifier.
According to sources close to the player, Raducanu felt a minor issue in her lower back and decided to stop as a precaution. However, the timing has raised concerns given her history of physical setbacks.
Injury History
Raducanu has dealt with multiple injuries since her stunning US Open victory, including wrist and ankle problems that have limited her playing time. She has not progressed past the second round of a Grand Slam since 2021, and her ranking has slipped to 168th in the world.
“It’s just a precaution,” said a spokesperson for Raducanu. “Emma felt a slight twinge and didn’t want to risk anything. She is determined to play at Wimbledon and is doing everything to be ready.”
Wimbledon Hopes
Wimbledon begins on Monday, and Raducanu is scheduled to play on Tuesday. Her potential withdrawal would be a major blow to the tournament and to British tennis fans, who have high hopes for her grass-court abilities. She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021 before her US Open triumph.
Raducanu has played only 10 matches this season, winning four. She recently withdrew from a warm-up event in Eastbourne citing a sore wrist, which had already raised alarm bells.
