Emma Raducanu will be absent from the upcoming US Open after being sidelined by a stress fracture in her right lower leg. The 23‑year‑old British No. 1 sustained the injury during the grass‑court swing and subsequently made the difficult decision to withdraw from Wimbledon as well.
After consulting with her medical team, the Press Association reports that Raducanu has confirmed she will not be fit to compete in New York later this month. The announcement, while disappointing for fans, is not entirely unexpected 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 setback adds another challenge to a year that has already been fraught with physical difficulties for the young champion. Last summer, Raducanu made a promising return to the sport, capturing her first wins at Flushing Meadows since her breakthrough victory five years ago. However, the momentum she built has been repeatedly interrupted by a series of health issues.
Early in the season, a foot injury hampered her pre‑season preparation, limiting the amount of practice she could undertake. Shortly thereafter, she fell ill with a post‑viral infection that kept her away from the court for roughly ten weeks, further disrupting her training schedule. When she finally re‑emerged toward the end of the clay‑court season, Raducanu reunited with coach Andrew Richardson, the strategist who guided her to the US Open title in 2021.
Their reunion was welcomed by many, but the pair have had limited time to work together on‑court due to her ongoing recovery. Despite these constraints, Raducanu managed to put together one of the most impressive weeks of her career at Queen's Club in June, advancing to the final – her deepest run in a tournament since her historic triumph in New York. Unfortunately, the effort required to reach that stage appears to have exacerbated the stress fracture in her right leg, precipitating the latest withdrawal. The British player was also omitted from the Great Britain squad for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals scheduled for late September.
This omission, coupled with her current ranking of 49, raises questions about her ability to maintain a consistent presence on the WTA Tour in the near future and whether she will be able to compete at a high level again by 2026. In a brief Instagram post from a scenic location in Switzerland, Raducanu attempted to keep a positive outlook, describing the trip as the "best reset ever." The video accompanying the post showed her practicing serves while still wearing the protective boot on her right foot, underscoring both her determination to stay engaged with the sport and the reality of her ongoing injury. The US Open, set to begin on August 30, will now proceed without Raducanu in the draw.
Fans can still follow the tournament live on Sky Sports or stream it via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Meanwhile, the broader tennis calendar continues with events such as the National Bank Open in Montreal, where rising star Jack Draper is expected to make a return starting August 3. Raducanu's situation highlights the broader challenges athletes face when dealing with recurring injuries.
A stress fracture, essentially a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress, requires a careful balance of rest, rehabilitation, and gradual return to activity. For a professional tennis player, the demands of constant training, travel, and competition can make the healing process particularly arduous. Medical experts typically advise a period of reduced weight‑bearing activity, followed by physiotherapy to restore strength and flexibility.
In Raducanu's case, the protective boot allows limited mobility but does not replace the need for complete bone healing, which can take several weeks to months depending on severity. The decision to pull out of a Grand Slam event is never taken lightly, especially given the financial and ranking implications. However, prioritising long‑term health over short‑term gains is increasingly recognized as essential for sustaining a professional career. Raducanu's team appears to be taking a cautious approach, opting to give her body the time it needs to recover fully before attempting another comeback.
Looking ahead, the British tennis community will be watching closely to see how Raducanu navigates her rehabilitation. With the support of her coaching staff, medical professionals, and a growing fan base, there is optimism that she can return to form.
The next few months will be crucial for rebuilding strength in her leg, regaining confidence on the court, and possibly re‑establishing her place among the sport's elite. In the meantime, tennis enthusiasts can stay updated on the latest developments, match highlights, and expert analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp and other digital platforms. While Raducanu's absence is a loss for the US Open lineup, the tournament still promises a thrilling showcase of talent, with many rising stars poised to make their mark on the sport.