ISLAMABAD: British tennis star Emma Raducanu has pulled out of this week’s Berlin Open as she continues to manage a recurring back injury, prioritising recovery ahead of a crucial grass-court run that includes Wimbledon later this month.
The 22-year-old former US Open champion was expected to feature at the high-profile WTA 500 event in Berlin, having accepted a wildcard entry. However, her ongoing fitness issues forced her to make a late decision to withdraw, opting for rest and rehabilitation instead.
Injury Forces Strategic Pause
Raducanu first experienced discomfort in her back during her appearance at the Strasbourg Open ahead of the French Open.
The problem resurfaced during her quarter-final loss to Zheng Qinwen at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham, where she took an off-court medical timeout.
“It’s been lingering for the last few weeks,” Raducanu said.
“I’ve had back issues before — it’s a vulnerability of mine. I know I need to take good care of it.”
She emphasised that a cautious approach is essential, adding, “It needs proper and careful management.”
Eyes on Eastbourne and Wimbledon
Raducanu’s decision to skip Berlin comes despite the tournament featuring nine of the world’s top ten WTA players.
She had chosen to compete in Berlin over Nottingham to test herself against elite opponents, but the setback prompted a shift in priorities.
The British number one is now targeting a return to action at the Eastbourne International, scheduled from 23 to 28 June, before competing at Wimbledon, which begins on 30 June.
Last year, Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and claimed her first top-10 win by defeating Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne — achievements she hopes to build on this summer.
Her team is optimistic that she’ll be match-fit in time for both events, with medical staff closely monitoring her progress in the coming weeks.
