Emma Raducanu has been spotted using crutches just hours after pulling out of Wimbledon due to a stress fracture. The British No. 1 had been managing a niggle that developed into a stress fracture, forcing her to withdraw 15 hours before her scheduled first-round match against Antonia Ruzic.
Raducanu's Injury and Withdrawal
Raducanu's participation had been in doubt all weekend, as she was reportedly seen wearing a protective boot and did not practice for four days. She returned to training over the weekend with strapping on her right ankle and confirmed on Sunday afternoon that she still planned to play. However, after a final scan on Sunday night, she announced her withdrawal. "I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon," she wrote. "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."
Prize Money and Replacement
Despite not playing, Raducanu received 50 per cent of first-round prize money, which amounts to £40,000, per Grand Slam rules for on-site withdrawals. She was replaced on Court 1 by Latvian lucky loser Darja Semenistaja, who lost to Ruzic.
Seen with New Partner
Raducanu was photographed using crutches while heading to a restaurant in Chelsea with her new man, John Friend, a 32-year-old PR expert. She was first photographed with Friend earlier this month in Battersea Park, one day after losing the Queen's final. When asked about the relationship ahead of Wimbledon, she said: "I would say that, look, I have great people around me. I have amazing support from my team, from my family, from my friends. It means a lot. I think especially when you're going through setbacks, it helps."
Support from Fellow Brits
British No. 4 Francesca Jones backed Raducanu to bounce back, saying: "I mean, she's done it before. She'll probably do it again. I would say the three of us have been through a lot, Jack, Emma, and I, probably the three that have had it tough over the years, but I don't know. This is where you show what you're made of, right?" Jones also noted that Raducanu and Jack Draper have faced injury setbacks, with Draper withdrawing from Wimbledon after reaggravating a bone bruise in his left arm.
