In a deeply emotional statement released today, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed the heartbreaking details behind her recent withdrawals, confirming that her ongoing health issues have reached a critical point.
The 23-year-old former US Open champion has decided to step away from professional tennis indefinitely until she feels fully ready to return, prioritizing her long-term well-being over immediate competition.
“I apologize to everyone who has supported me,” Raducanu said in her statement. “I tried everything to participate, but perhaps I couldn’t push any further. My health is not stable right now, and I’ve realized that forcing myself to compete could do more harm than good.
I want to pause playing until I feel truly okay again. I hope everyone understands and continues to support me during this time.”
The announcement comes amid growing concern in the tennis world following Raducanu’s troubled start to the 2026 season.
Just days ago, she withdrew hours before her opening match at the United Cup in Perth against Naomi Osaka, citing a recurring foot injury described as “light bone bruising” in her right foot.
That issue had lingered from the end of 2025, forcing her to end her previous season early and limiting her off-season preparation severely.
Raducanu did manage to play in Great Britain’s second United Cup tie against Greece on January 5, facing Maria Sakkari in a grueling three-set match that ended in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 defeat.
Despite showing flashes of her trademark brilliance and fighting spirit, she visibly faded in the third set, highlighting the physical toll of her limited training.
Post-match, she admitted that she had barely touched a racket for over two months, spending most of the off-season focused on gym work and rehabilitation rather than on-court practice.
“I started hitting again only two weeks ago,” she confessed after the loss. “It’s been a good two and a half months where I didn’t play tennis at all. I kind of played my first points in practice just a couple of days before the match.
It felt a bit alien out there at times.”
This latest setback is part of a pattern that has plagued Raducanu’s career since her fairy-tale 2021 US Open victory as an 18-year-old qualifier. The sudden fame and pressure that followed her Grand Slam triumph seemed to coincide with a series of physical ailments.
Wrist, ankle, back, and abdominal issues have frequently interrupted her progress, leading to multiple withdrawals and early season endings. In 2025, despite a more consistent year that saw her return to the top 30 and complete 50 matches for the first time, fitness remained her biggest obstacle.
Experts and former players have long expressed sympathy for Raducanu’s plight. Her rapid rise brought immense scrutiny, and the physical demands of the WTA tour – combined with a body still adapting to professional-level intensity – have taken a heavy toll.
Team GB captain Tim Henman, who witnessed her struggles firsthand at the United Cup, described the decision to pull her from the Osaka match as “marginal” but necessary to avoid further aggravation.
“She had been practicing really well, but we had to be cautious,” Henman said. “The improvement she’s made is fantastic, but with the Australian Open approaching, we couldn’t risk it.”
Raducanu’s choice to step back entirely marks a significant shift. Previously, she has often pushed through pain or rushed recoveries in an effort to maintain momentum. This time, however, she appears to have reached a breaking point.
Sources close to the player indicate that the cumulative effect of repeated injuries, coupled with mental fatigue from constant comebacks, has led her to this difficult but mature decision.
The timing is particularly poignant, as the Australian Open – the site of some of her strongest Grand Slam performances – is set to begin on January 18.
Raducanu had been slated to play the Hobart International as a warm-up event next week, but her statement suggests she will withdraw from that as well, and potentially from Melbourne Park itself.
Fans and analysts alike have flooded social media with messages of support. “Emma has given us so much joy with her talent,” one prominent tennis commentator wrote. “Now it’s time for her to heal properly.
No rush – we’ll be here when she’s ready.” Others pointed to similar paths taken by players like Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu, who stepped away to address mental and physical health before returning stronger.
Raducanu’s career trajectory has been one of extremes: from overnight sensation to injury-plagued prodigy. Her 2021 US Open win remains one of the most remarkable achievements in tennis history, but sustaining that level has proven challenging.
In her more stable periods, she has shown glimpses of top-10 potential, with quarterfinals at Miami and third-round appearances at multiple Slams in 2025.
What makes this announcement especially heartbreaking is Raducanu’s evident passion for the sport. In her statement, she emphasized her desire to return only when she can compete at her best. “Tennis means everything to me,” she added. “I don’t want to be out there half-fit, risking more setbacks.
When I come back, I want it to be because I feel strong and excited again.”
The tennis community now waits patiently. There is no timeline attached to her break – it could be weeks, months, or longer. In an era where player welfare is increasingly prioritized, Raducanu’s decision is being hailed as brave and sensible.
As the Australian summer swing continues without one of its most captivating stars, the focus shifts to her recovery. The hope is that this pause allows Emma Raducanu to rebuild not just her body, but her love for the game that once propelled her to unimaginable heights.
For now, the tennis world sends its collective well-wishes: Get well soon, Emma. We’ll be ready whenever you are.
