BERLIN — Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Berlin Open as she continues to manage a back injury, casting doubt on her readiness for Wimbledon later this month. The 2021 US Open champion, who has been plagued by injuries since her historic Grand Slam triumph, cited ongoing discomfort as the reason for her decision.
Raducanu, 21, was scheduled to make her debut on grass this season at the WTA 500 event in Berlin, a key warm-up tournament ahead of Wimbledon. However, her withdrawal follows a similar pattern of physical setbacks that have disrupted her career progression. "After consulting with my medical team, we decided it wasn’t the right time to compete," Raducanu said in a statement released by her management.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Grass-Court Season
The British star has struggled with multiple injuries since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows, undergoing surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2023. Her latest setback involves a recurring back issue that flared up during training. "Emma has been experiencing stiffness in her lower back, and we’re taking a cautious approach," confirmed her physiotherapist, Will Herbert.
Key concerns surrounding Raducanu’s withdrawal include:
- Limited match practice on grass this season
- Potential impact on Wimbledon seeding
- Ongoing adaptation to her new coaching team
Tournament Organizers React
Berlin Open director Barbara Rittner expressed disappointment but understanding:
"We were excited to welcome Emma to Berlin, but health must come first. We wish her a speedy recovery."
Replacement Player Announced
Russian qualifier Erika Andreeva will take Raducanu’s place in the main draw. Andreeva, 19, is ranked No. 102 and recently reached the third round at Roland Garros. Tournament officials confirmed all ticket holders will retain their seating arrangements despite the late change.
Wimbledon Preparations in Jeopardy
With just two weeks remaining until Wimbledon (July 1-14), Raducanu faces a race against time to regain fitness. Grass-court specialists note the unique physical demands of the surface:
"The low bounce and quick movements required on grass make back injuries particularly problematic. Players need at least 10-12 days of pain-free practice to compete safely," explained former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.
Raducanu’s team has indicated she may attempt to play an exhibition event next week if her condition improves. The Lawn Tennis Association has offered her access to private practice courts at the National Tennis Centre, with CEO Scott Lloyd stating:
"We’re providing Emma with every resource to prepare optimally, whether that’s for Wimbledon or her long-term development."
Medical Perspective on Recovery
Sports physician Dr. Sarah Jenkins outlined the typical recovery timeline:
"For a lumbar strain of this nature, we’d normally recommend 7-10 days of rest followed by graded rehabilitation. The challenge is balancing recovery with maintaining competitive sharpness."
Raducanu’s situation contrasts sharply with her meteoric rise three years ago, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam. Since then, she’s:
- Undergone three separate surgeries
- Worked with five different coaches
- Seen her ranking drop to No. 165
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Tennis commentators have expressed concern about the pattern of withdrawals. "At what point do these recurring injuries become career-defining? Emma’s talent is undeniable, but her body keeps betraying her at crucial moments," noted BBC Sport’s Russell Fuller. Meanwhile, British fans have flooded social media with messages of support, hoping their home favorite can recover in time for Wimbledon.
As the tennis world waits for updates, Raducanu’s team has scheduled another medical evaluation for June 17. The results will determine whether she can participate in any pre-Wimbledon events or if she’ll enter the Championships without competitive matches on grass this season.