Emma Raducanu will be absent from the upcoming US Open after doctors confirmed a stress fracture in her right lower leg, forcing the British No. 1 to sit out the tournament. The injury, which first emerged during the grass‑court swing, ultimately led her to withdraw from Wimbledon at the last minute.
After extensive consultations with her medical team, the Press Association reported that Raducanu has concluded she cannot compete in New York when the event begins later this month. The decision, while disappointing to fans, is not entirely unexpected given the nature of a stress fracture and the fact that Raducanu has only just begun to test the waters on court again, this time wearing a protective boot. The 23‑year‑old’s recovery has been a marathon of setbacks, and the latest diagnosis adds another hurdle to an already challenging season.
Last summer, Raducanu seemed to be on an upward trajectory. She recorded her first match wins at Flushing Meadows since lifting the US Open trophy five years earlier, a sign that she was beginning to rebuild confidence after a turbulent period. However, the past twelve months have been plagued by recurring physical problems that have stalled her progress. A foot injury early in the year disrupted her pre‑season preparations, and shortly thereafter she was struck by a post‑viral illness that kept her off the court for roughly ten weeks.
It was not until the tail end of the clay‑court season that Raducanu made a tentative return, having re‑engaged Andrew Richardson as her coach. Richardson was the strategist behind her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph, and the reunion was hailed as a potential catalyst for a comeback. Unfortunately, the pair have had limited time together on the practice courts, and the lingering effects of her injuries have constrained the intensity of her training.
In June, Raducanu produced one of the most memorable weeks of her career by advancing to the final at Queen's Club, her deepest run in a tournament since her landmark New York victory. Yet that very performance appears to have triggered the stress fracture that now sidelines her.
The physical toll of competing at such a high level, combined with the demands of a demanding grass‑court schedule, likely contributed to the development of the fracture. Her absence will also be felt in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where she was not selected for Great Britain’s squad slated to compete in late September. The omission raises questions about her future on the WTA Tour, especially as her ranking is expected to drop from its current position of 49.
Analysts are already speculating whether she will be able to mount a full‑scale return by the 2026 season. Despite the grim news, Raducanu tried to maintain a positive outlook on social media. In a recent Instagram post from a brief getaway in Switzerland, she described the trip as the "best reset ever" and shared a short clip of herself practicing serves while still wearing the protective boot on her right foot. The video offered a glimpse of her determination to stay engaged with the sport, even as she navigates a prolonged rehabilitation process.
The broader tennis community will continue to follow her recovery closely. Sky Sports, for instance, will keep fans updated with the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis through its various platforms, including WhatsApp updates and the Sky Sports app. Meanwhile, the US Open itself will proceed as scheduled, with live coverage available on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW. Looking ahead, Raducanu’s primary focus will be on healing the fracture and rebuilding her fitness foundation.
Stress fractures typically require several weeks of rest, followed by a gradual re‑introduction of weight‑bearing activities and sport‑specific drills. Her medical team will likely employ a combination of physiotherapy, low‑impact cross‑training, and strength conditioning to ensure a safe return to competition. In addition to the physical aspects, the psychological component of a prolonged layoff cannot be overlooked. Raducanu has previously spoken about the mental strain of injury setbacks, and maintaining a resilient mindset will be crucial as she works toward a comeback.
Support from her coaching staff, family, and the broader tennis community will play an integral role in her journey back to form. Fans worldwide remain hopeful that the British star will eventually return to the court, perhaps even reclaiming the spark that made her a US Open champion.
For now, the focus is on patience, proper medical care, and a measured approach to training, ensuring that when she does step onto the hard courts of New York in the future, she does so fully healed and ready to compete at the highest level.