Emma Raducanu’s 2026 campaign has suffered a devastating blow as the former US Open champion confirmed she will miss the tournament this year due to a stress fracture in her right leg.
The British No. 1’s injury woes continue to mount, with withdrawals from and the Canadian Open already marking a season plagued by physical setbacks. Her absence at Flushing Meadows denies fans the chance to witness one of tennis’s most remarkable breakthrough stories unfold once more.
Raducanu sustained the stress fracture during the grass-court season, prompting a late withdrawal from after a thorough medical evaluation. Despite attempts to return to training with a protective boot, the recovery timeline ruled out any realistic chance of competing at the US Open. At just 23 years old, the former winner’s string of injuries threatens to derail her momentum at a critical juncture in her career.
The timing could not be worse for Raducanu, who had shown encouraging form during the grass swing, including a strong run to the final at the Queen’s Club Championships. That appearance marked her second final of the season and third career final, where she fell to Donna Vekic. The physical toll from that intense stretch ultimately revealed itself in the injury that forced her exit from Wimbledon and subsequent withdrawals from the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens.
This latest setback compounds a difficult season that began with a foot injury disrupting her pre-season preparations and a post-viral illness sidelining her for over two months. After her return on clay, inconsistency and fitness issues hampered her progress until grass courts offered a brief revival. Now, the British star faces the harsh reality of missing one of the most pivotal parts of the season.
Raducanu also risks a substantial fall in the rankings. Last year, she secured third-round finishes at the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open, and US Open, accumulating crucial points she will now be unable to defend. This absence could see her drop out of the world’s top 90, jeopardizing her seeding and entry into major tournaments in the closing months of the year.
The 2026 campaign was expected to be a turning point for Raducanu after reuniting with Andrew Richardson, the coach behind her historic 2021 US Open triumph. Yet persistent injuries have curtailed their work together, denying her the consistency needed to regain her peak form.
For now, Raducanu’s focus shifts entirely to rehabilitation. The British talent’s brief resurgence at Queen’s Club is overshadowed by this fresh injury setback, forcing her to postpone any immediate comeback plans. The tennis world watches and waits for when she can once again showcase the potential that once captivated millions.