Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon 2024 after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her right foot, according to a statement released by her team on Sunday morning. The 21-year-old British No. 1, who won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, was set to defend her place in the second week of the Championships but will miss the tournament entirely.

The announcement came just hours before her scheduled second-round match against Elise Mertenier, a 19-year-old Belgian qualifier. Raducanu’s withdrawal leaves the All England Club scrambling to reschedule matches in the women’s singles draw, with officials confirming that the tournament will proceed as planned but with adjustments to the schedule.

Why Raducanu’s Withdrawal Matters

Raducanu’s absence is a significant blow to the women’s draw, particularly for fans hoping to see a British player advance deep into the tournament. As the defending champion of the 2021 US Open, she was one of the few players capable of challenging the top seeds, including Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur, in the latter stages.

According to the All England Club, Raducanu’s withdrawal creates a single vacancy in the second round. The club’s officials have not yet announced how the draw will be adjusted, but sources close to the tournament suggest that the replacement match will likely be scheduled for Monday, July 1, with the winner advancing to the third round.

How Serious Is the Injury?

Raducanu’s team confirmed the diagnosis as a stress fracture in the right foot, a common overuse injury in tennis that often requires several weeks of recovery. While the exact timeline for her return remains unclear, sources indicate that she will undergo further medical evaluation to determine the best course of action.

In a statement, Raducanu’s team said, “Emma is disappointed but relieved to have received a proper diagnosis. She will now focus on her recovery and return to competition as soon as possible.” The injury was first reported in late June, but Raducanu had been playing through it, including a first-round win over Kristina Kucikova on Monday, June 24.

Impact on the Women’s Singles Draw

The withdrawal leaves the women’s singles field with 63 players remaining after the first round, down from the original 64. The All England Club has not yet announced whether a qualifier will be added to fill the vacancy, but tournament officials have historically preferred to keep the draw intact rather than introduce late replacements.

Key implications for the tournament include:

• A potential reshuffling of the draw, with some players moving up a round earlier than planned.
• An increased likelihood of upsets in the second week, as lower-ranked players may face tougher competition sooner.
• No immediate impact on the men’s singles draw, which remains unaffected by Raducanu’s withdrawal.

What Happens Next?

The All England Club will release an updated women’s singles draw on Monday, July 1, following the rescheduling of Raducanu’s replacement match. Fans are advised to check the official Wimbledon website for live updates on match times and venue changes.

Raducanu, who has not played at Wimbledon since her fourth-round loss to Ashleigh Barty in 2022, will now focus on her recovery. Her next scheduled tournament is the Wimbledon Championships, though her return timeline remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon 2024 due to a stress fracture in her right foot.
• The injury was diagnosed after she played through it in her first-round match, winning against Kristina Kucikova.
• The All England Club will reschedule one second-round match to fill the vacancy, with the winner advancing to the third round.
• Raducanu’s absence removes one of the few British players capable of challenging the top seeds in the latter stages.
• Her recovery timeline is unclear, but she is expected to undergo further medical evaluation.

How to Follow the Story

For live updates on the adjusted women’s singles draw, visit the official Wimbledon website. Raducanu’s team has not yet provided a detailed recovery plan, but fans can expect further statements as her condition stabilizes.

Meanwhile, the men’s singles draw remains on track, with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz among the favorites to advance deep into the tournament.