Why isn't Emma Raducanu playing at Wimbledon 2026?
It's not good news for the British No.1...
(Photo by Marleen Fouchier/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
- Ned Holmes
Published: Monday, 29 June 2026 at 9:40 am
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Emma Raducanu has suffered another frustrating setback on the eve of Wimbledon 2026, having built up momentum ahead of the Championships.
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The British No.1 has endured a difficult few years, due to injury and illness, but had started 2026 positively – reaching the finals at the Transylvania Open and the Queen's Club Championships.
Raducanu, who won the US Open as an 18-year-old in 2021, was tipped as a player to watch by former player and BBC broadcaster Annabel Croft.
"She has such a complete game," Croft told Radio Times. "She’s a beautiful mover on the grass court, has one of the best sliced backhands on the tour, and volleys better than anyone. She rises to the occasion and brings out her best when she’s on a big stage."
However, the injury scare that has dominated the headlines over the past few days has eventually seen her withdraw on the eve of the tournament.
Radio Times brings you all the details about Emma Raducanu's withdrawal from Wimbledon 2026.
Why isn't Emma Raducanu playing at Wimbledon 2026?
Emma Raducanu is not playing at Wimbledon after withdrawing due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg.
The British No.1 missed training last week but had told the media she would try to play through the pain ahead of her first round match against Croatia's Antonia Ružić on Monday.
However, late on Sunday, she took to Instagram to confirm that she would not be playing at the grass Grand Slam due to injury.
She said: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but sadly I've had to withdraw from this year's Wimbledon.
"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.
"Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.
"I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement. Especially at a time like this, it is invaluable.
"I look forward to seeing you when I'm back."
Raducanu will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser from qualifying.
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Authors
Ned Holmes
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
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