To play or not to play? That was the question racing around Raducanu’s mind all day on Sunday.
Like any British player, Raducanu does not want to miss Wimbledon – and it is why she left making the decision to pull out until so late.
However, she ultimately felt she had to listen to the advice from doctors.
It is another bitter setback for Raducanu in a short career which has been blighted by a series of injury problems since her fairytale US Open victory in New York five years ago.
Bone bruising on her right foot ended her 2025 season in October and also limited her work in the off-season.
After reaching the Transylvanian Open final in February, she picked up a viral illness that meant she only played six matches from early February to the start of Queen’s earlier this month.
Raducanu’s run to the Queen’s final bred confidence and increased optimism she could have a successful Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021 and 2024.
But that positivity has quickly been drained by Raducanu’s body letting her down again.
While she did look relatively upbeat at Wimbledon given the circumstances, it is indisputable that this is another hugely frustrating moment for her.
At the French Open last month, an emotional Raducanu admitted that maintaining a positive mindset can be difficult with the number of obstacles she has endured.
Now, with the cycle of a step forward being followed by a setback continuing, she must again draw strength from adversity.
“I have great people around me. I have amazing support from my team, from my family, from my friends. It means a lot,” she said.
“Being around positive people, around positive influences, it’s always going to help through tough times.”
