Emma Raducanu may find it advantageous to bring her 2024 campaign to an early close, allowing her to focus on rehabilitation and secure a protected ranking before making a comeback in 2027, according to former British No. 1 Annabel Croft.
The 23‑year‑old Briton suffered a stress fracture in her right lower leg during the grass‑court swing and ultimately made the difficult decision to withdraw from Wimbledon. After consulting her medical team, Raducanu announced on Monday that she would also be forced to miss the US Open later this month, a development reported live on Sky Sports. In professional tennis, a protected ranking system exists to aid players who have been sidelined by injury for an extended period.
The ATP and WTA each have distinct rules. On the men’s side, a player may use a protected ranking calculated from the average of his ranking over the three months preceding the injury.
For women, the protected ranking is frozen at the level it was when the injury first occurred, and it can be applied to up to eight events in a season, or twelve if the absence exceeds one year. This mechanism enables a returning player to enter tournaments without having to start from the bottom of the rankings ladder.
Raducanu has only just begun tentative sessions on court, currently wearing a protective boot, and the latest setback adds another painful chapter to a year already riddled with physical woes. Speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, Croft, who has transitioned from playing to commentary, remarked that "she's been unbelievably unlucky with injury problems." She went on to note that while many athletes face injuries, Raducanu seems unable to enjoy a sustained, injury‑free stretch that would allow her to build momentum in both mind and body. The British star’s troubles began with a foot injury that hampered her pre‑season preparation, followed by a two‑and‑a‑half‑month hiatus after a post‑viral illness struck her in early February. After finally returning for the tail end of the clay season, she re‑engaged Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to the US Open triumph, but their time together on court has been limited.
In June, Raducanu produced one of the finest weeks of her career by reaching the final at Queen’s Club, her biggest final since her New York victory. Ironically, that very performance appears to have precipitated the latest leg fracture.
The injury prevented her from being selected for Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup squad in September. Croft observed, "I've seen countless pictures of her with the boot, trying to serve, keeping the racket moving, showing everyone she’s doing everything she can. But clearly, it hasn’t healed yet." The former world No.
24 added that Raducanu’s ranking, currently at 49, could slip further if she is unable to compete for an extended period, raising the question of whether a protected ranking might become essential. If a player misses at least six months due to injury, they may invoke a special ranking for a limited number of events upon return. In Raducanu’s case, the protected ranking would reflect her top‑50 position from the grass‑court season—the last time she earned prize money in a tournament. However, she also faces a significant points defence from last year’s North American hard‑court swing, which included Washington, Canada, Cincinnati and the US Open.
A prolonged absence could see a steep drop in her ranking points. Croft suggested that ending the season early might not be a bad move: "It wouldn't be a surprise if she made that decision. It would allow her to fully heal, rest, receive comprehensive treatment, and then return fit and ready for the start of next year." She acknowledged the potential anxiety about a ranking plunge but emphasized that health should take precedence: "Your health is your wealth, as they say, and that’s the most important factor." Discussing the nature of the injury, Croft compared it to calf strains she has experienced, noting that even a minor push‑off can cause tightness.
She praised Raducanu’s natural lightness on her feet and her superb movement, which have always been hallmarks of her game. "She moves around the ball beautifully, gets into great positions without ever looking off‑balance. Movement is a major strength for her, and it needs to be at 100 per cent," Croft said.
Looking ahead, Raducanu will need to weigh several factors: the urgency of her recovery, the potential benefit of a protected ranking, the risk of losing points, and the long‑term impact on her career trajectory. A well‑managed rehabilitation period could see her return stronger, with her athleticism and footwork fully restored. Conversely, a rushed comeback might exacerbate the injury and jeopardise future seasons. The broader tennis community will be watching closely as the British star navigates this crossroads.
While fans hope to see her back on the court soon, experts agree that a strategic pause—coupled with the safety net of a protected ranking—could provide the optimal pathway for a sustainable, successful return in the years to come.