Raducanu Vows to Do Everything to Compete at Wimbledon
British No 1 Emma Raducanu is managing a right-foot injury as she prepares for her first-round match at Wimbledon on Monday. The 23-year-old, seeded 30th, is determined to be ready to compete despite the setback.
Raducanu is scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic at 1pm on No 1 Court. In a rescheduled pre-tournament press conference on Sunday afternoon, she stated her commitment to recovery and participation.
“I’m going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment, and that’s the current plan. That’s the plan right now, to play.”
This week has been challenging for Raducanu, who has been dealing with the injury since the conclusion of the clay-court season. This period followed her return to competition after a two-month break caused by a post-viral illness. The injury worsened after her initial grass-court season matches.
Raducanu acknowledged that under different circumstances she might have taken time off, but Wimbledon is a tournament for which she is willing to push her limits.
“A lot of players are probably managing things,” she said. “There are certain tournaments you’re willing to do more for, put yourself on the line more for, risk more for. For me, of course, Wimbledon is that. I probably pushed beyond anything that I would for any other tournament. That’s for a fact. It’s just to what extent.”
Injury Challenges Amid Career Progress
Raducanu’s strong performance at the Queen’s Club, regarded as one of the best weeks of her career, seemed to set a positive trajectory for Wimbledon. However, the injury presents another obstacle in her career, which has been frequently interrupted by physical setbacks.
The British No 1 has faced numerous injuries in her short professional journey, a reality that has taken a mental toll. This was evident after her recent loss in May, when she became emotional during a press conference discussing the impact of recurring injuries.
“It’s been tricky,” she said. “I had a great week at Queen’s Club. All I want to do is to keep building on that momentum. I’ve had a tough start to the season, a lot of time out. Hearing and feeling this is difficult. I have great people around me – that’s one thing that’s really been helping in this latest setback. Having their support, they’re really in it with me. It means a lot to have that.”
Recent Training and Recovery Efforts
Raducanu took Thursday and Friday off from training. On Saturday, she ended a planned two-hour practice session with Anna Kalinskaya early due to difficulty bearing weight on her heavily taped right foot.
She returned to practice on Sunday at Aorangi Park, completing a one-hour session with hitting partner Alexis Canter. The session was limited in movement and did not include points play, reflecting ongoing caution regarding her injury.
Reflecting on the uncertainty of her condition, Raducanu shared her mindset.
“It’s difficult waking up each day, not knowing how it’s going to be,” she said. “Not knowing whether you’re in or out causes a lot of uncertainty. All I can do is my best every day. That’s what I’m doing, whether that’s the treatments, whether that’s the practice.
“I know I’m putting everything I possibly can into each day. With the people around me, they’re pushing me in the right way. Keeping morale and spirits high is important as well. Even if you’re going through a difficult time, I think allowing yourself to have moments of joy when they do come through is important.”
