Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon after developing a lower leg stress fracture, joining a record number of early absentees from the Championships. The 22-year-old British player announced her withdrawal on Sunday evening, hours after completing a practice session where she had indicated her intention to compete. Medical staff advised her not to play after what she described as an initial "niggle" in her leg developed into a stress fracture.
Why the withdrawal matters
Raducanu's absence adds to an unprecedented wave of pre-match withdrawals at Wimbledon 2026. A total of 19 players have now withdrawn before their first-round matches, according to SportBible, including six seeded players. The 2021 US Open champion was scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic in the first round and has been replaced by lucky loser Darja Semenistaja.
Other notable withdrawals
The withdrawal list includes several high-profile names across both tours. ATP world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz pulled out last month due to an ongoing wrist injury, while British player Jack Draper withdrew on the eve of his opening match due to an arm injury. No. 11 seed Lorenzo Musetti withdrew in May after suffering a thigh injury at the Italian Open, and former world No. 4 Holger Rune remains sidelined from a torn Achilles tendon suffered at the end of the previous season.
The first round of Wimbledon continues with the remaining field.
Sources
- SportBible: Wimbledon first round withdrawals – Raducanu, Alcaraz among 19 players. Published 29 Jun 2026.
Reported from public sources.