To play or not to play? This question was spinning in Raducanu’s head all day Sunday.
Like any British player, Raducanu doesn’t want to miss Wimbledon – and that’s why she left the tournament, deciding to withdraw so late.
Ultimately, however, she felt she had to listen to her doctors’ advice.
It is another bitter setback for Raducanu in a short career that has been blighted by a series of injuries since her fairytale victory at the US Open in New York five years ago.
A bone bruise in her right foot ended her 2025 season in October and also limited her offseason work.
After reaching the final of the Transylvanian Open in February, she contracted a viral illness that meant she played just six matches between early February and the start of the Queen’s tournament earlier this month.
Raducanu’s run to the final of the Royals gave her confidence and increased optimism that she can have a successful Wimbledon, where she has reached the fourth round in 2021 and 2024.
But this positivity quickly dwindled as Raducanu’s body failed her again.
While she appeared relatively upbeat at Wimbledon given the circumstances, it is undeniable that this was another very disappointing moment for her.
At the French Open last month, an emotional Raducanu admitted that staying positive could be difficult given the number of obstacles she had to endure.
Now, as the cycle of steps forward gives way to failure, she must once again draw strength from adversity.
“I am surrounded by wonderful people. I have amazing support from my team, my family, my friends. It means a lot,” she said.
“Being around positive people, positive influences, will always help during difficult times.”
