Emma Raducanu has been forced to sit out the upcoming US Open after doctors diagnosed her with a stress fracture in her right lower leg. The 23‑year‑old British No.1 sustained the injury during the grass‑court swing earlier this season, a setback that also led her to withdraw from Wimbledon at the last minute. After consulting with her medical team, the Press Association reported that Raducanu concluded she would not be fit enough to compete in New York later this month. The decision, while disappointing for fans, is hardly shocking given the nature of a stress fracture and the fact that Raducanu has only recently been able to take tentative steps on court while wearing a protective boot.
The injury adds another hurdle to an already challenging twelve‑month period for the former US Open champion, who has been battling a series of physical ailments since her breakthrough victory five years ago. Last summer, Raducanu showed promising signs of a comeback, securing her first wins at Flushing Meadows since lifting the trophy. However, her momentum was interrupted by a foot injury that severely limited her pre‑season preparation.
The situation was compounded by a post‑viral illness that kept her off the court for roughly two and a half months after she fell ill in early February. Only after a prolonged recovery did she re‑enter competition at the tail end of the clay‑court season. In an effort to regain form, Raducanu reunited with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to the 2021 US Open title. Their partnership, however, has been short‑lived, with limited practice time before the recent injury resurfaced.
The strain on her right leg became evident during a strong showing at Queen's Club in June, where she reached her biggest final since her New York triumph. The intense effort required to compete at that level appears to have triggered the stress fracture that now sidelines her.
The ramifications of her withdrawal extend beyond the US Open. Raducanu was not selected for Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals squad slated for late September, raising questions about her ability to maintain her current world ranking of 49.
Analysts are already speculating whether she will be able to return to the tour in a competitive capacity by the 2026 season, given the severity of her injury and the recovery timeline associated with stress fractures. Despite the grim sporting news, Raducanu attempted to share a positive outlook on social media. On Sunday, she posted an upbeat Instagram story from a brief holiday in Switzerland, describing the trip as the "best reset ever." The video, however, subtly reminded viewers of her condition, showing her practicing serves while still wearing a protective boot on her right foot.
The broader tennis community has taken note of her situation. Sky Sports, which provides extensive coverage of tennis events, has encouraged fans to follow their updates via WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, and analysis. For those looking to watch live tennis, the network offers streaming options through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, including coverage of the US Open starting August 30 and the National Bank Open in Montreal beginning August 3, where players such as Jack Draper are set to make returns.
Raducanu’s journey over the past year underscores the fragility of athletic careers, especially after a meteoric rise to fame. Her 2021 US Open victory catapulted her into the global spotlight, but the subsequent years have been marked by a series of setbacks that have tested her resilience.
The stress fracture, while a significant blow, may also serve as a catalyst for a more measured and sustainable approach to training and competition. Medical experts stress that stress fractures require careful management, typically involving a period of rest, gradual weight‑bearing exercises, and sometimes physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles. For a high‑impact sport like tennis, where quick lateral movements and explosive starts are routine, returning too quickly can risk re‑injury. Raducanu’s team is expected to adopt a cautious rehabilitation plan, likely involving a combination of low‑impact cross‑training, targeted strength work, and monitored on‑court sessions once the bone has sufficiently healed.
Fans and commentators alike hope that the British star will emerge from this hiatus stronger and more prepared for the rigors of the professional tour. The tennis world will be watching closely as she navigates the recovery process, with the hope that she can eventually reclaim her place among the sport’s elite and perhaps add another Grand Slam title to her résumé in the future.