Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon on Sunday after aggravating a stress fracture in her right leg, leaving the All England Club without its top British contender. The 23-year-old announced her decision via Instagram, pulling out on the eve of her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic on No 1 Court.

Sky Sports' Jonathan Overend defended Raducanu against criticism, arguing that her run to the Queen's Club final while managing this injury deserves recognition rather than cynicism. He emphasized that stress fractures develop gradually, not overnight, suggesting she's been dealing with the problem throughout the grass-court season.

Raducanu's reunion with coach Andrew Richardson appears to be paying dividends. Her Queen's Club performance secured a 30 seeding at Wimbledon, representing solid form after her 2021 US Open breakthrough. Overend believes players ranked 20-30 in the world demonstrate strong capability, countering public expectations that she should rank higher.

The ongoing injury struggles highlight Raducanu's need for sustained fitness to realize her potential. While this setback disappoints fans and tournament organizers alike, her determination to compete despite physical limitations reflects genuine commitment rather than fragility.