Emma Raducanu's participation at Wimbledon has been thrown into doubt after the British tennis star was reportedly seen at the All England Club wearing an orthopaedic boot. The 2021 US Open champion had recently shown a return to form, reaching the final of Queen's earlier this month, but concerns over a new fitness issue have emerged just days before the Grand Slam.
Raducanu Spotted in Boot at Wimbledon
According to tennis outlet CLAY, Raducanu did not train on Wednesday amid fears surrounding an injury problem. The report states she was spotted wearing a boot, which could hamper her progress at SW19. However, a representative speaking to the outlet insisted she was fine and would be training on Thursday. Raducanu is defending a third-round appearance from last year at Wimbledon, points crucial to her current ranking at world No. 32.
Recent Form and Ranking Implications
Raducanu's return to form at Queen's was a welcome boost after she had not won a match since early March. An injury lay-off throughout the spring had caused her to tumble down the rankings, but the exploits at Queen's have boosted her position. Ahead of a home Grand Slam, the 2021 US Open champion appears to be struggling with yet another fitness concern.
Former Coach Weighs In
Commenting on her chances, former coach Mark Petchey said: "I love Emma to bits. I'll take a bullet for her. I think her situation is so unique. I don't envy her life, being judged every single week on a result that happened five years ago, that was an amazing story, was an absolute fairy tale. She's a hell of a tennis player. But it's challenging because, if you don't win another one, it's deemed a sub-optimal outcome."
Petchey added: "And I think, for her, it's been a very hard process to grow up as an 18-year-old, in the glare of the spotlight, with everything that came - everyone would have done the same, but they say they wouldn't have done the same. That's the thing that I find really hard, the cognitive dissonance from people. She can win another one for sure, I've always believed that about her. If she can find a way to just do the ordinary in an extraordinary way, every single day, and not look for a shortcut back to where she was in '21, she'll be fine."
Draw and Next Steps
Raducanu and the rest of her competitors will find out their Wimbledon paths on Friday morning when the draw is made. The 22-year-old will hope to be fit to compete, with her ranking and reputation on the line.
