Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon after scans revealed a stress fracture in her foot.
The 23-year-old British tennis player made the announcement on Monday, June 29, 2026.
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Raducanu had been managing a minor injury, but medical experts advised her to stop competing. The decision followed days of uncertainty about her fitness.
She wore a protective boot on Wednesday and used strapping on her right ankle during a practice session on Saturday.
She also delayed scheduled media duties until Sunday before officially pulling out of her match against Antonia Ruzic.
“I’ve done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through,” Raducanu said.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams is making her return to the grand slam tournament after a four-year absence.
The 44-year-old American received a wildcard entry to play Australian Maya Joint in the singles draw on Tuesday.
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Williams is also scheduled to partner with her sister Venus Williams in the women’s doubles tournament. “I had nothing better to do,” she said.
“I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?”
In other tournament developments, former champion Sir Andy Murray is participating at SW19 in a temporary coaching role for 24-year-old Jack Draper.
Their partnership, which began in May, is scheduled to conclude at the end of the tournament. Draper faces sixth seed Taylor Fritz in the opening round on Tuesday.
The tournament is also adjusting its electronic line-calling system following complaints from players during the previous year.
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New visual indicators on the scoreboards will assist spectators, and players can now request video reviews for specific rules like double bounces, though they cannot challenge the automated line calls.
