LONDON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s campaign at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham came to an abrupt end after she retired from her quarter-final match against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanović due to injury, following a medical timeout in the second set.
The 21-year-old, who made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open, struggled with a left side injury during the match. After losing the first set 6-4, Raducanu called for a medical timeout at 1-1 in the second set. Despite attempting to continue, she retired shortly after, handing Tomljanović a place in the semi-finals.
Raducanu, who received a wildcard entry into the tournament, had shown promising form in earlier rounds, defeating world No. 49 Viktorija Golubic and former top-10 player Elise Mertens. However, her physical struggles resurfaced at a crucial moment, raising concerns about her fitness ahead of Wimbledon.
Injury Concerns Resurface
Raducanu’s career has been hampered by persistent injuries since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows. She underwent surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2023, forcing her to miss much of last season. This year, she has managed her schedule carefully, but the latest setback casts doubt on her readiness for the grass-court Grand Slam.
Speaking after the match, Raducanu admitted frustration: "It’s really disappointing to have to withdraw, especially here at Queen’s where the crowd has been amazing. I felt something in my side during the first set, and it got worse as the match went on. I tried to push through, but it wasn’t possible."
Tomljanović Advances Amid Mixed Emotions
Tomljanović, who also faced Raducanu in the 2022 US Open quarter-finals before the Brit retired with injury, expressed sympathy for her opponent. "It’s never the way you want to win," she said. "Emma is such a great player, and I hope she recovers quickly."
The Australian, returning from her own injury struggles, will now face either Yulia Putintseva or Anastasia Potapova in the semi-finals. Key takeaways from Raducanu’s exit include:
- Raducanu’s recurring injury issues remain a major hurdle in her career resurgence.
- Her performance before retirement showed glimpses of her best tennis, particularly her aggressive baseline play.
- With Wimbledon just weeks away, her participation is now in question.
Wimbledon Hopes in Jeopardy
Raducanu’s team has yet to confirm the severity of the injury, but scans are expected in the coming days. The timing is far from ideal, with Wimbledon beginning on July 1. The Brit, currently ranked No. 165, will rely on a wildcard for entry.
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson weighed in on the situation: "It’s heartbreaking to see Emma struggle like this. She’s worked so hard to come back, but her body keeps letting her down. Wimbledon is her dream, but health has to come first."
Fan Reactions and Support
Despite the disappointment, Raducanu received an outpouring of support on social media. Fans praised her fighting spirit, with many urging patience as she navigates her comeback. One supporter tweeted: "Injuries are part of the journey. Emma’s talent is undeniable—she’ll be back stronger."
Looking Ahead
Raducanu’s immediate focus will be recovery, with her team likely to make a decision on Wimbledon in the next week. If fit, she could still enter warm-up events in Eastbourne or Bad Homburg to gain more grass-court practice.
For now, the tennis world waits anxiously for updates. As Raducanu herself put it: "I’ll do everything I can to be ready. I love playing at home, and Wimbledon means everything to me."
Her resilience has never been in doubt. The question now is whether her body will cooperate in time for the biggest tournament of her season.