Raducanu's US Open dream shattered again

Stress fracture ends Raducanu's summer

Emma Raducanu's 2026 season has taken another painful turn. The 2021 US Open champion has been forced to withdraw from the entire North American hard-court swing, including the US Open itself, after sustaining a stress fracture in her foot during the WTA 500 event at Queen's Club back in June.

It is a cruel blow for the British star, who now faces the very real prospect of missing the remainder of the campaign.

Rankings in freefall

The immediate consequences are already biting. Raducanu has slipped 10 places to world No 59, and with 130 ranking points from last year's US Open set to fall off her tally, the slide is unlikely to stop there.

Should she remain sidelined much longer, a drop outside the top 100 becomes a genuine possibility - a scenario that would force her into lower-tier qualifying events just to maintain her place on the tour, Tennis365 reports.

Growing doubts over her durability

Observers are increasingly questioning whether Raducanu's body can withstand the demands of the professional circuit. Recurring injuries have disrupted her progress repeatedly since that fairytale triumph in New York five years ago, and this latest setback only deepens those concerns.

At just 23, she should be entering her prime. Instead, she finds herself battling simply to stay relevant in the rankings. It is a situation that demands serious reflection - from Raducanu, her team, and anyone invested in the future of British tennis.