Sports · Tennis · 6 hrs ago
Raducanu may delay her return to use a protected ranking
Emma Raducanu appears to have ended her 2026 season, although her team has not confirmed the decision.
The British player has not competed since reaching the Queen’s Club final last June, where she suffered a stress fracture in her foot.
She has returned to training, but has dropped out of the world’s top 100 during her absence.
If she stays out for six months, she may be eligible for a protected ranking to help her enter major tournaments and rebuild her position.
That could help her seek a place at the Australian Open in January, while she is due a Wimbledon wild card if her ranking does not get her into the tournament.
Her 2027 tournament choices could shape her comeback, and she will need to stay fit to make progress.
Emma Raducanu may delay her return to competitive tennis to qualify for a protected ranking.
She has not played competitively since reaching the Queen’s Club final last June, where she suffered a foot stress fracture.
She has fallen out of the WTA top 100 during her time away from competition.
If she is absent for a full six months, she could use a protected ranking to enter tournaments, potentially including the Australian Open in January.
Raducanu has not officially confirmed that her 2026 season is over.
- Who
- Emma Raducanu, the British tennis player.
- What
- She may delay her return so she can use a protected ranking after a six-month absence.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026. Her last competitive match was in June.
- Where
- The Queen’s Club grass-court tournament in Britain was her last event.
- Why
- A protected ranking could help her enter major tournaments and higher-profile events as she rebuilds her ranking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Raducanu reached the Queen’s Club final and suffered a stress fracture in her foot.
She posted images of herself training at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre.
Tennis365 reported that she appeared to have ended her season, while noting there had been no official announcement from her camp.
- Last competitive event
- Queen’s Club, June 2026
- Injury
- Stress fracture in her foot
- Protected ranking condition
- A full six-month absence
- Possible major tournament
- Australian Open, January 2027
Related
Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round
5 hrs ago · 8 sources
UN condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff after China Open match
6 hrs ago · 5 sources
Zverev beats Bublik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals despite ankle issue
8 hrs ago · 10 sources
Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1
9 hrs ago · 10 sources
