Emma Raducanu has pledged to do everything in her power to be fit for her Wimbledon first-round match on Monday, as she continues to manage a right-foot injury that has disrupted her preparation. The British No 1, seeded 30th, is scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic on No 1 Court at 1pm. Speaking at her rescheduled pre-tournament press conference on Sunday, Raducanu said: 'I'm going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment, and that's the current plan. That's the plan right now, to play.'
Injury setback after strong grass-court run
The 23-year-old has been dealing with the foot issue since the end of the clay-court season, following a two-month layoff due to post-viral illness. Her impressive run to the final at Queen's Club earlier this month exacerbated the injury. While she would typically take time off, Wimbledon is a tournament she is willing to push herself for. 'A lot of players are probably managing things,' she said. 'There are certain tournaments you're willing to do more for, put yourself on the line more for, risk more for. For me, of course, Wimbledon is that. I probably pushed beyond anything that I would for any other tournament. That's for a fact. It's just to what extent.'
Frustration and resilience
Raducanu's career has been plagued by injuries, and the frustration was evident after her first-round loss at the French Open in May, where she fought back tears when asked about the mental toll. 'It's been tricky,' she said. 'I had a great week at Queen's Club. All I want to do is to keep building on that momentum. I've had a tough start to the season, a lot of time out. Hearing and feeling this is difficult. I have great people around me – that's one thing that's really been helping in this latest setback. Having their support, they're really in it with me. It means a lot to have that.'
Uncertainty and daily struggle
After taking Thursday and Friday off from training, Raducanu ended a planned two-hour practice with Anna Kalinskaya early on Saturday, struggling to load on her heavily taped right foot. However, a one-hour practice with hitting partner Alexis Canter on Sunday was more upbeat, though it involved limited movement and no points play. 'It's difficult waking up each day, not knowing how it's going to be,' Raducanu said. 'Not knowing whether you're in or out causes a lot of uncertainty. All I can do is my best every day. That's what I'm doing, whether that's the treatments, whether that's the practice. I know I'm putting everything I possibly can into each day. With the people around me, they're pushing me in the right way. Keeping morale and spirits high is important as well. Even if you're going through a difficult time, I think allowing yourself to have moments of joy when they do come through is important.'
