Practice session cut short
Emma Raducanu’s involvement in Wimbledon has been thrown into uncertainty after she ended her practice early and cancelled a scheduled press conference. The British No. 1 trained with her right ankle heavily strapped before leaving the court prematurely.
Upcoming match in question
Raducanu is due to face Croatian Antonia Ruzic in the first round on No. 1 Court. The All England Club confirmed she will speak to the media today, but her fitness remains a major concern.
Off-court sightings raise concern
On Wednesday evening, Raducanu was seen by the River Thames in South West London with her new partner, PR executive John Friend. Witnesses noted she was wearing an orthopaedic boot. A source commented: “From the orthopaedic boot it was obvious Emma was injured. I’m sure he was helping to console her over the stress of it.”
Recent form before Wimbledon
Raducanu reached the final at Queen’s Club two weeks ago, marking her best run in a tournament since her US Open triumph in 2021. That performance had reignited hopes for her grass-court season, but the latest setback has cast doubt over her ability to compete.
Britain’s oldest tennis player still competing
In a lighter moment for British tennis, Shirley Critchley, aged 93, continues to play regularly. Believed to be Britain’s oldest female tennis player, she began at age 11 and was once coached by BBC icon Dan Maskell. She later won veteran titles and now enjoys tennis and pickleball with friends. Critchley said: “Four times in a week is not bad at 93. I’ve no plan to stop any time soon.”
WTA Wimbledon - Emma Raducanu's projected path
Emma Raducanu in 2026
At the moment ranked no.32, the Brit played her last match on the 14th of June when she capitulated to world no.33 Donna Vekic 6-0 7-6(6) in the final in London (draw).
Presently, during this year Raducanu owns a 11-10 record. Emma Raducanu’s best result of the present season was reaching the final in Napoca and London.
