Emma Raducanu Withdraws From China Open Amid Ongoing Leg Injury Recovery

Raducanu’s 2026 struggles also involved a coaching change and illness: she split with coach Francisco Roig after the Australian Open, then lost in the first round in Qatar and Dubai before reaching the third round at Indian Wells.
Raducanu was reportedly seen wearing a protective boot on her injured foot, an indication of the seriousness of the problem and a factor behind speculation about the length of her recovery.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick said Raducanu might not play again this year, warning that a stress fracture “has to heal” or it could cause “extreme long-term damage.”
Raducanu’s withdrawal has particular significance because Beijing is the city where the China Open is held and she has Chinese heritage through her mother, making the tournament a potentially important part of her planned Asian swing.
The China Open withdrawal list also includes Victoria Mboko, who is recovering from a knee injury suffered at Queen’s Club, and Hailey Baptiste, who underwent surgery for an anterior-cruciate-ligament injury sustained at the French Open.
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the China Open, extending her injury layoff after a stress fracture in her right leg sidelined her following the Queen's Club final in June. KELO The 23-year-old British star missed both Wimbledon and the US Open, and her ranking has plummeted to No. 89. Raducanu said she wants to focus on enjoying the process and taking her career one day at a time rather than placing excessive pressure on herself.
Six other players have also withdrawn from the Beijing tournament, citing injury concerns. WSAU Victoria Mboko is recovering from a knee injury sustained at Queen's Club, while Hailey Baptiste underwent surgery for an anterior-cruciate-ligament injury at the French Open. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick warned that stress fractures require full healing or risk causing "extreme long-term damage."
Raducanu's struggles extend beyond her current stress fracture. KatCountry989 In 2026, she split with coach Francisco Roig after the Australian Open, then lost in the first round at both Qatar and Dubai before reaching the third round at Indian Wells. She was also reportedly seen wearing a protective boot on her injured foot, suggesting the severity of the fracture.
The combination of coaching changes, illness, and injury has disrupted what should have been a recovery year. Despite reaching finals in Romania and at Queen's, Raducanu has struggled to build momentum. Her absence from major tournaments has allowed her ranking to drop significantly from where she was earlier in her career.
Medical professionals and tennis insiders are concerned about the length of Raducanu's layoff. 740TheFan Andy Roddick said a stress fracture "has to heal" completely or it could cause "extreme long-term damage" to her career. This warning has fueled speculation that Raducanu may not compete again this season.
A partial return before full healing could lead to chronic problems that plague players for years. Raducanu's team appears to be prioritizing long-term health over a quick return to the court, which aligns with her stated focus on enjoying the process.
The China Open holds special meaning for Raducanu. Beijing is where the tournament takes place, and she has Chinese heritage through her mother, making the event a potentially important part of her planned Asian swing. Missing this tournament represents a significant blow to her comeback timeline and her ability to compete in her ancestral region.
Her absence leaves the China Open without several top contenders, though many leading players will still compete. The withdrawal has also raised questions about whether Raducanu will attempt to play any remaining tournaments in 2026 or extend her recovery into the off-season.
WHBL Raducanu is not alone in withdrawing from Beijing due to injury. Victoria Mboko continues to recover from a knee injury suffered at Queen's Club, while Hailey Baptiste is sidelined after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury sustained at the French Open. The multiple withdrawals underscore how Queen's Club and other spring tournaments have taken a toll on players' bodies.
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