Is Wimbledon at risk? Emma Raducanu's recurring injury forces Berlin withdrawal

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Berlin Ladies Open, just ahead of Wimbledon, sparking alarms due to a recurrence of her persistent injury. The former US Open champion had reached the quarterfinals at the Queen's Club Championships but ultimately fell in straight sets to Zheng Qinwen.

After the loss, the British player admitted she had been experiencing back discomfort for the past few months. During her match against Zheng, she even had to request a medical time-out to take painkillers. However, the 22-year-old gave no indication at the time that it would be anything more serious.

"I’ve been struggling with my back since Strasbourg, and it’s just been something on and off," the former world No. 10 said. "I’ve been managing it quite well over the past few weeks, but now after playing five matches—two of which were doubles—the workload is testing it more. I felt it as the load increased."

Raducanu had defeated Cristina Bucșa and Rebecca Šrámková in straight sets on her way to the quarterfinals. She also competed in the doubles draw, partnering with fellow Brit Katie Boulter, and they managed to reach the quarterfinals before losing to the top seeds, Erin Routliffe and Lyudmyla Kichenok.

Express UK recently reported that Raducanu pulled out of Berlin, which begins on Monday, June 16. Despite this, she reportedly remains confident that it will only be a week-long pause and plans to return the following week at the WTA 250 Eastbourne International—her final tournament before Wimbledon. The Brit was vying for a potential seeded spot at the All England Club, but her withdrawal from Berlin now rules that out.