Emma Raducanu misses Wimbledon practice after wearing orthopaedic boot
Emma Raducanu’s participation at Wimbledon is in doubt after the British player missed scheduled practice and was seen wearing an orthopaedic boot just days before the tournament begins.
The 2021 US Open champion was reportedly spotted leaving the Aorangi Park practice complex on Wednesday evening wearing a protective device on her right leg.
She then failed to appear for a scheduled midday training session at the All England Club on Thursday.
Representative downplays concerns
Despite the alarming images emerging so close to her home Grand Slam, her management has insisted there is no serious underlying issue.
“Emma is absolutely fine. She will play tomorrow.”
Thomas Houchin, one of her representatives, offered the reassuring update to ease growing spectator anxiety.
The former British number one had been pictured practicing on Monday but did not book any court time across the following two days.
Recent grass-court preparations
The talented right-hander recently enjoyed an excellent run to the final of a grass-court warm-up event, narrowly losing to former Wimbledon semi-finalist Donna Vekic.
However, after playing five matches in quick succession, she opted to rest and declined a wildcard into this week’s Eastbourne tournament.
Following that intense schedule, the Briton admitted she had been managing minor physical issues.
“Dealing with a few niggles over the past few weeks.”
She notably slipped on the grass during a recent quarter-final tie and required a medical timeout, although she managed to complete the tournament without obvious discomfort.
Ongoing fitness struggles
Injury setbacks have been a persistent theme of her career since that historic breakthrough in New York.
A post-viral illness previously forced the Grand Slam winner to miss almost the entire clay-court swing after the Indian Wells tournament in March.
Missing the impending major would represent a significant blow for the home favourite, who has twice reached the fourth round at SW19.
Main draw action at Wimbledon commences on Monday, with the official draw taking place this Friday.
