Emma Raducanu will miss out on the chance to win millions in prize money after pulling out of Wimbledon. The British No. 1 withdrew the night before her scheduled first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic on Court 1, citing a stress fracture in her right lower leg.
Injury Forces Last-Minute Withdrawal
Raducanu had been managing a right lower leg injury since her run to the Queen’s final earlier in June. Fears over her participation at the All England Club escalated on Saturday when she cut short a training session and was seen with strapping on her lower leg. A late scan revealed the injury had developed into a stress fracture, forcing her to withdraw.
The 23-year-old confirmed the news on Sunday evening via social media, stating: "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 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." She added: "Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process."
Financial Impact of Withdrawal
Under the All England Club’s 50/50 rule, Raducanu will still receive £40,000—half of the first-round prize money of £80,000—because she withdrew before playing. The player who replaces her, a ‘lucky loser’, will take her spot and receive the other 50%. However, her injury and withdrawal ultimately cost her a shot at earning up to an additional £3,560,000 in maximum potential earnings at Wimbledon, including prize money for progressing through the rounds.
Raducanu’s Wimbledon History
Raducanu, who famously won the US Open as a qualifier in 2021, reached the third round of Wimbledon last year before losing 7-6, 6-4 to Aryna Sabalenka. Her absence this year leaves a significant gap in the women’s singles draw and disappoints home fans hoping to see her compete.
