Emma Raducanu will miss the upcoming US Open after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her right lower leg. The 23‑year‑old British No.
1 first sustained the injury during the grass‑court swing, which ultimately forced her to make a late decision to withdraw from Wimbledon as well. After consulting with her medical team, the Press Association reported that Raducanu has confirmed she will be unable to compete in New York later this month. The decision, while disappointing to fans, is not entirely unexpected given the seriousness of a stress fracture and the fact that Raducanu has only recently taken her first cautious steps back onto the court while wearing a protective boot.
The injury adds another setback to a challenging year that has been marked by a series of physical ailments and interruptions to her training schedule. Last summer, Raducanu enjoyed a promising resurgence, notching her first match victories at Flushing Meadows since lifting the US Open trophy five years ago. That momentum, however, has been derailed by a string of health problems that have plagued her over the past twelve months. Early in the season, a foot injury severely limited her pre‑season preparation, and she subsequently endured a two‑and‑a‑half‑month hiatus after contracting a post‑viral illness that first manifested in early February.
Following her recovery, Raducaru returned to competition toward the end of the clay‑court season, this time reuniting with coach Andrew Richardson—the same strategist who guided her to her historic 2021 US Open triumph. Unfortunately, the partnership has had limited on‑court time, restricting the amount of tactical work they could accomplish together before the grass season began. In June, Raducanu produced one of the best performances of her career by advancing to the final at the Queen’s Club Championships, her deepest run since the New York triumph.
Ironically, the very effort that showcased her talent also appears to have triggered the latest injury, as the stress placed on her right leg during that intense week likely contributed to the fracture. The British star was also absent from Great Britain’s roster for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals scheduled for late September, raising further questions about her immediate future on the professional circuit. With her ranking currently at No. 49, there is speculation about whether she will be able to maintain her position or if she might slip further down the rankings heading into the 2026 season.
Despite the grim news, Raducanu tried to keep a positive outlook. She posted an uplifting Instagram story from a brief stay in Switzerland, describing the trip as the "best reset ever." The video accompanying the post showed her practicing serves while still wearing a protective boot on her right foot, underscoring both her determination to stay active and the reality of her ongoing recovery. The US Open, set to begin on August 30, will now proceed without Raducanu in the draw. Fans can still follow the tournament live via Sky Sports or stream it through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which promise over 50 percent more live sport coverage at no additional cost for Sky Sports subscribers.
Meanwhile, the ATP and WTA tours will continue, with players like Jack Draper slated to make a return at the National Bank Open in Montreal starting August 3. Looking ahead, Raducanu’s primary focus will be on rehabilitation and regaining full fitness. Stress fractures typically require several weeks of rest, followed by a gradual re‑introduction to weight‑bearing activities and sport‑specific training.
Her medical team will likely employ a combination of physiotherapy, low‑impact cross‑training, and incremental on‑court drills to ensure a safe return to competition. The protective boot she currently wears will remain a vital piece of equipment until her leg can tolerate the stresses of high‑intensity play. The broader tennis community has expressed sympathy and support for Raducanu’s situation. Many former players and commentators have highlighted the resilience she has shown throughout her career, from her meteoric rise as a teenager to her recent battles with injury.
While the immediate outlook is uncertain, there is a prevailing sense that, given her talent and work ethic, Raducanu could make a strong comeback once fully healed. In summary, Emma Raducanu’s stress fracture forces her to sit out the US Open, adding to a year already marred by foot injuries, a lingering viral illness, and limited coaching time. Although she missed Wimbledon and will not feature in the Billie Jean King Cup, she remains optimistic, using her Swiss getaway as a mental reset.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as she embarks on her rehabilitation journey, hoping to see her back on the court and competing at the highest level in the near future.