Emma Raducanu could miss rest of season after US Open withdrawal with stress fracture

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the US Open due to a stress fracture in her right lower leg, with former British No 1 Annabel Croft suggesting she could end her season early to focus on recovery and secure a protected ranking for a 2027 return. The 23-year-old pulled out of Wimbledon late during the grass-court season and confirmed Monday she will miss the US Open after consulting her medical team. She has only recently begun tentative practice while wearing a protective boot, following a year plagued by persistent physical issues including a post-viral illness that kept her off court for two-and-a-half months. Raducanu, currently ranked 49, risks dropping significantly with points to defend from last year's North American hard-court swing. If she misses at least six months, she could use a protected ranking based on her grass-season top-50 status. Croft noted her movement is a key strength that must be fully healed before returning.