Emma Raducanu has pulled out of Wimbledon after sustaining a stress fracture in her lower right leg, as confirmed on social media and reported by BBC Breakfast on Monday, June 29, 2026. The 23-year-old British tennis star was scheduled to begin her campaign against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic on Court One but withdrew late Sunday night.
BBC Breakfast Announces the News
During Monday's edition of BBC Breakfast, hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent handed over to sports correspondent John Watson at Wimbledon. Watson told viewers: "The great British summer is in full swing, it is that time of year again, the opening day of the Wimbledon Championships at the All Club, but there will be a notable absentee with Britain's Emma Raducanu pulling out late last night on the eve of the tournament."
Watson added: "She suffered another injury setback, which really has been a big story for her ever since that dramatic victory at the US Open five years ago in New York. She's got a stress fracture in her lower right leg. She announced that decision at 10 o'clock last night, just hours after telling a journalist that she planned to play. A big disappointment for her and all of those tennis fans who will be gathering there at Wimbledon this morning."
Raducanu's Statement on Social Media
On Instagram, Raducanu shared a lengthy statement explaining her withdrawal. She wrote: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but sadly I've had to withdraw from this year's Wimbledon. I've done everything possible to try and 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. Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process."
Raducanu thanked fans for their support and signed off by saying she looks forward to seeing them when she returns. The announcement came just hours after she had told a journalist she planned to play, highlighting the sudden nature of the setback.
Support from Fans and Wimbledon
Following the news, Raducanu received an outpouring of support. Wimbledon's official X account posted: "Get better soon." One fan commented: "Stress fractures can be brutal. Speedy recovery." Another wrote: "I'm so incredibly disappointed but health must come first. Get well soon lovely girl." A third added: "Emma!! You are going to be missed at Wimbledon - wish you speedy recovery."
This injury adds to a series of setbacks Raducanu has faced since her stunning US Open victory in 2021. The stress fracture in her lower right leg will require rest and rehabilitation, with no timeline yet for her return to competition.
BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One weekdays from 6am.
