LONDON — Emma Raducanu has been granted a protected ranking for Wimbledon, ensuring her participation in the prestigious tournament despite her recent injury struggles. Meanwhile, three high-profile players have withdrawn from the Queen's Club Championships, shaking up the grass-court season ahead of the Grand Slam.
Raducanu Secures Wimbledon Spot
The 2021 US Open champion, Emma Raducanu, has been handed a lifeline by Wimbledon organizers, who have awarded her a protected ranking (PR) entry. This decision comes after a series of injury setbacks that saw her drop outside the WTA top 200. "I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon again," Raducanu said in a statement. "It’s a special tournament for me, and I’m working hard to be ready."
Raducanu, who underwent surgeries on both wrists and an ankle last year, has played just four tournaments in 2024. Her protected ranking of No. 103 ensures direct entry into the main draw, bypassing the qualifying rounds. The 21-year-old Brit, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021, will be a crowd favorite despite her recent struggles.
Queen’s Club Hit by Withdrawals
The prestigious Cinch Championships at Queen’s Club has suffered a major blow with the withdrawal of three top players:
- Carlos Alcaraz – The defending champion and world No. 2 cited fatigue after his French Open campaign.
- Jannik Sinner – The Italian, who recently claimed his first Grand Slam in Melbourne, pulled out due to a hip injury.
- Holger Rune – The Dane withdrew with a back issue, leaving the field wide open.
Tournament director Luiz Carvalho expressed disappointment but remained optimistic: "While we’re saddened by these withdrawals, Queen’s Club remains one of the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour. We still have a strong field, including Andy Murray, who is eager to compete on home soil." Murray, a five-time Queen’s champion, is expected to headline the event alongside Grigor Dimitrov and Taylor Fritz.
Impact on Wimbledon Preparations
The withdrawals raise questions about player fitness ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on July 1. Alcaraz, Sinner, and Rune are all considered contenders for the title, and their absence from Queen’s Club suggests they are prioritizing recovery. "Grass-court tennis is physically demanding, and players must manage their schedules carefully," said former British No. 1 Tim Henman.
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s participation at Wimbledon will be closely watched. Her protected ranking ensures she avoids the pressure of qualifying, but her lack of match practice remains a concern. "Emma has the talent to make a deep run, but she needs matches under her belt," noted coach Judy Murray. "The next few weeks will be crucial for her preparation."
Other Grass-Court Developments
Elsewhere in the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation in the Halle Open, signaling his intent to regain form after an underwhelming clay season. On the women’s side, Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka are set to headline the Berlin Ladies Open, a key warm-up event before Wimbledon.
The WTA Tour also saw drama at the Nottingham Open, where British No. 1 Katie Boulter suffered a shock first-round exit. Boulter, who won the title last year, was defeated by qualifier Daria Snigur. "It’s disappointing, but I’ll learn from this and focus on the next tournament," Boulter said post-match.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With just weeks remaining until Wimbledon, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. Raducanu’s return, the fitness of top stars, and the emergence of new contenders will dominate headlines. The All England Club’s decision to grant Raducanu a protected ranking ensures she remains in the spotlight, while the Queen’s Club withdrawals highlight the delicate balance players must strike between competition and recovery.
As the grass-court season heats up, fans can expect more surprises and drama. "Wimbledon is the pinnacle of our sport," said seven-time champion Roger Federer. "Every player dreams of lifting that trophy, and the road to get there is never easy."
Stay tuned to Express Sport for the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis as we count down to Wimbledon 2024.