Emma Raducanu skipped Thursday's Wimbledon practice after a shin injury forced her into an orthopaedic boot. The 23‑year‑old British No.1 had just finished as runner‑up at the Queen’s Club, losing to Donna Vekic in a five‑match week that left her thigh strapped from a quarter‑final slip. Sources say the shin, not the thigh, now limits her training.

Raducanu admitted she’s been battling “niggles” after a heavy match load, a condition that halted her winning streak since early March and cost her several tournaments, including Nottingham and Eastbourne. She managed a brief practice session at the All England Club on Monday, but withdrew from Thursday’s session, raising concerns ahead of her first‑round draw, which will be revealed on Friday.

Seeded 30th for Wimbledon, Raducanu faces a tough opening match if the shin does not improve. A lingering injury could force her to retire early, jeopardising her first Grand Slam appearance since her 2021 US Open triumph. The British public will watch closely as she decides whether to compete or withdraw before the tournament kicks off.

With the draw imminent, Raducanu’s medical team will assess the boot’s effectiveness and determine if she can endure the demanding grass courts. A withdrawal would open a lucky loser slot, altering the lower half of the draw and potentially easing the path for other seeded players.