Raducanu Faces Fitness Challenge Before Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu is confronting a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon after missing practice sessions on Thursday. The British number one has not competed since reaching the final of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club approximately ten days ago, opting out of tournaments in Nottingham and Eastbourne.
She trained at the All England Club on Monday; however, a journalist from Clay magazine observed Raducanu wearing a protective boot on Wednesday evening. Although she was scheduled to practice at midday on Thursday, she did not attend. Her representatives have confirmed that Raducanu is currently managing a niggle.
Recent Performance and Health Issues
The 23-year-old’s last competitive match was the HSBC Championships final. This season has been marked by interruptions, as Raducanu missed two and a half months due to a post-viral illness that initially affected her in February. She participated in only two clay-court matches this year.
Despite these setbacks, her performance at Queen’s Club suggested improvement. Raducanu reached just her second final since her remarkable US Open victory five years ago, having reunited with coach Andrew Richardson. However, the physical demands of that tournament run, which included playing two matches in one day due to rain delays, may now affect her prospects at Wimbledon.
