Emma Raducanu seen on crutches after Wimbledon withdrawal
Emma Raducanu has been seen on crutches just days after her withdrawal from Wimbledon, with the British tennis star continuing her recovery from the injury that ruled her out of her home Grand Slam, reports BritPanorama.
The former US Open champion had to withdraw from the Championships less than a day before her scheduled first-round match against Antonia Ruzic after medical scans confirmed she had suffered a stress fracture in her shin.
Fresh images from The Sun show the 23-year-old using crutches during an evening out in London with her boyfriend, John Friend. Despite her mobility issues, Raducanu appeared to be in good spirits as they dined in Chelsea, smiling and chatting en route to the restaurant.
This recent sighting comes just days after Raducanu shared the difficult news with fans on social media, expressing her “heartbreak” at missing the tournament she regards as the highlight of her season. In an Instagram statement, she disclosed, “I’ve done everything possible to try to get to the start line… but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture.”
Concerns about Raducanu’s fitness had grown in the days leading up to Wimbledon, particularly after she was seen with support on her lower leg during practice. Her discomfort became more pronounced during a session with Anna Kalinskaya, where she struggled with movement, prompting worries that she might not participate.
After cancelling a planned press conference, her withdrawal was confirmed approximately 15 hours before her match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic. The injury was exacerbated according to previous attempts to manage it since reaching the final of the Queen’s Club Championships two weeks prior.
Raducanu’s withdrawal marked one of the most significant blows for home supporters in the opening week of Wimbledon, who were anticipating her performance. With her focus now shifting to rehabilitation, there is hope for a full recovery to return to the WTA Tour later this season.
Raducanu isn’t alone in her absence, as fellow Brit Jack Draper has also withdrawn due to injury. The spotlight remains on the ongoing challenges faced by athletes, a reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and physical demands.
