The current truth, just like many past truths, is that when Emma Raducanu will play next is unknown. The 2021 US Open winner, but at other tournaments before or since, had to withdraw from Wimbledon 2026 with a stress fracture in her leg. She seems likely to miss the Citi Open, too.
The Brit has had to deal with many various injuries. She had surgeries on her wrists and ankles, and her body simply doesn't seem to be able to hold up to the type of punishment that professional tennis provides. She is only 23 years old, so maybe these ailments will eventually fade away, but by the time that happens, many years will have gone by.
According to Tennis365, Raducanu is not on the initial list of contenders at the Citi Open, which will be held in Washington, DC, beginning on July 25. One would assume that a stress fracture isn't going to go away quickly, and one way to overcome the injury is to not play tennis.
Emma Raducanu appears unlikely to play at the Citi Open at the end of July
The frustrating part for the player and her many fans is that she appeared to be trending up this year. She reached the final of the Wimbledon warm-up, the HSBC Championships, before losing to Donna Vekic in straight sets. She also reached the final of the Transylvania Open in February, but she lost to Sorana Cirstea.
Still, making deep runs in tournaments and giving herself a chance to win the second title of her career is a step in the right direction. One might have hoped that she would continue to impress at Wimbledon, but just like with fellow Brit Jack Draper (he withdrew because of an arm issue), she withdrew before the tournament began.
Emma Raducanu has natural charisma off the court, and she does have excellent ability on it. She could be a star of the sport, but injuries and odd choices (such as pulling out of her mixed doubles match with Andy Murray at Wimbledon 2024, which likely would have been the last match Murray played at his home major) have made her an also-ran.
For the betterment of the sport, especially UK tennis, let's hope she finally gets a long stretch of time when she is healthy and available to play tournaments. Maybe she even wins another title or two. For now, that is more of a hope than a reality.
