Raducanu Withdraws from Wimbledon with Stress Fracture

Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon 2026 after a medical scan confirmed a stress fracture in her lower right leg, ending her hopes of competing on home soil at the year's most prestigious grass-court Grand Slam. The 23-year-old had been scheduled to open her campaign on Court One against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.

Raducanu had been managing the problem in her right lower leg ever since she reached the final of the Queen's Club Championships earlier this month, which sparked significant optimism about her grass-court form. A final assessment on Sunday confirmed the injury was more serious than initially thought, making it impossible for her to compete.

A Heartbreaking Blow

Under Wimbledon's Grand Slam Injury Protection Programme, Raducanu will receive £40,000 — 50% of first-round prize money — as compensation for withdrawing after the draw was made but before playing a match. While the financial support is helpful, the emotional impact of missing her home Grand Slam for this reason was significant for the British number one.

Raducanu won the US Open in 2021 as a wildcard and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022, establishing her as one of British tennis's biggest hopes. Injuries have disrupted her progress repeatedly since then, though her recent form at the Queen's Club final showed she remained capable of competing at the highest level.

Wimbledon Opens Without Key Stars

Raducanu's withdrawal is not the only major absentee from Wimbledon 2026. World number two Carlos Alcaraz, a three-time finalist at the All England Club, confirmed he would also miss the tournament due to a wrist injury that has kept him out since the Barcelona Open in April. The two-time champion's absence leaves the men's draw more open than expected.

Wimbledon 2026 kicks off on Monday in what promises to be an exciting edition despite the absences. Fans can follow all the sports action and the latest Wimbledon news on AKM News throughout the fortnight.