Emma Raducanu is facing uncertainty over her Wimbledon participation after failing to appear for a scheduled practice session on Thursday, just four days before the prestigious tournament begins. The British No. 1 was reportedly seen leaving the All England Club grounds wearing an orthopedic boot on her right foot on Wednesday evening.
While Daily Mail Sport understands Raducanu is managing a "niggle," the combination of the protective boot and the missed practice slot has raised concerns about her physical condition. Her name had appeared on the practice schedule for noon on Thursday at Aorangi Park, but the court remained empty at the scheduled time.
Raducanu had practiced at Wimbledon on Monday. She was not listed on the practice schedule for Tuesday or Wednesday, though it remains possible she practiced elsewhere or could still appear later on Thursday. She reached the final of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club earlier in June, losing to Donna Vekic, but did not appear at her best physically during that match, citing "a few niggles over the past few weeks."
Her season has been significantly impacted by illness, and she had played only 16 matches prior to her run at Queen's. Raducanu had previously withdrawn from last week's Nottingham tournament and declined a wildcard invitation for the Eastbourne Open.
Despite these setbacks, her strong performance at Queen's and the rehiring of her former coach, Andrew Richardson, had boosted expectations for Wimbledon. She is seeded ahead of Friday's draw.
Meanwhile, 44-year-old Serena Williams was seen practicing ahead of her first singles match in four years. Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, hit with world No. 13 Marta Kostyuk, with her movement showing signs of needing further conditioning, though her ball-striking remained strong.