Annabel Croft has admitted she feels deeply for Emma Raducanu after the British star was forced to withdraw from the US Open, describing the latest injury setback as another cruel blow in a career repeatedly disrupted by fitness problems.
Raducanu has confirmed she will miss the final Grand Slam of the season as she continues her recovery from the stress fracture that also ruled her out of Wimbledon.
In a statement released through her team, it was confirmed that the 2021 US Open champion has not recovered sufficiently to compete in New York.
“After latest consultation with her team, Emma will have to miss the US Open,” the statement read.
“While she is working hard to rehab her stress fracture, given the nature of the injury, it needs time to heal. She is sad to be missing a tournament that is so special to her.”
The withdrawal is another significant setback for the 23-year-old, whose 2026 campaign has been severely limited by injury.
Raducanu missed the entire clay-court season before returning on grass, where she reached the final at Queen’s Club in her only tournament ahead of Wimbledon.
Speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, former British No 1 Croft sympathised with Raducanu and reflected on the relentless injury problems that have hampered her progress.
Annabel Croft has admitted she feels deeply for Emma Raducanu after the British star was forced to withdraw from the US Open, describing the latest injury setback as another cruel blow in a career repeatedly disrupted by fitness problems
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“It feels as if she’s been unbelievably unlucky with the injury problems she’s faced throughout the course of her career,” she stated.
“Don’t forget she’s had wrist surgery, feet problems, and now this stress fracture.”
“And, you know there are so many injuries out there on the Tour, it seems like she never gets a clear run where she’s able to really go for it with her tennis, and her body, and her mind injury free.”
Croft admitted Raducanu’s resurgence at Queen’s had appeared to signal a turning point before the latest setback halted her momentum once again.
Five things to know about British tennis star Emma Raducanu | PA
“We were all so excited with what she did at Queen’s Club, where she reached the final there just ahead of Wimbledon,” she continued.
“She really ignited her tennis again and things were really starting to look up, but this is just a major setback.
“It’s a tournament that is so special to her, that’s where she’s had her greatest success.”
Croft also suggested Raducanu should seriously consider ending her season early rather than rushing back before she is fully fit.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if she made that decision and probably that wouldn’t be such a bad decision to take because you can fully heal, rest up, get as much treatment as possible, and then come out fully fit and raring to go at the start of next year,” she said.
She acknowledged, however, that commercial opportunities and the lucrative Asian swing could make that decision more complicated.
Emma Raducanu has been plagued by injuries in recent years
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Croft also warned that Raducanu faces the prospect of a significant rankings slide, although she noted a protected ranking could ease some of the pressure.
“At the end of the day, your health is your wealth and that’s the most important factor,” she insisted.
Currently ranked world No 49, Raducanu is set to lose valuable ranking points from last year’s Cincinnati and US Open campaigns.
That leaves the former Grand Slam champion at risk of slipping further down the WTA standings if her absence continues.
