Raducanu Fires Warning Shot to Injury, Vows Everything for Wimbledon Fitness Battle
The 23-year-old British number one has made it clear she'll stop at nothing to be fit for Monday's opening match against Antonia Ruzic on No 1 Court. Raducanu's right foot injury - a nagging issue since the clay-court season - is far from resolved, but she's ready to put everything on the line in pursuit of Wimbledon glory.
At her rescheduled press conference, Raducanu remained committed to her initial plan: "I'm going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment. That's the current plan. That's the plan right now, to play." It's a testament to her grit and determination, especially considering she'd likely have taken time off under normal circumstances.
Wimbledon holds a special place in Raducanu's heart - "There are certain tournaments you're willing to do more for, put yourself on the line more for" - and this home Grand Slam is no exception. She admitted that her run to the final at Queen's Club last week intensified the issue, but she's refusing to let it define her preparations.
It hasn't been easy, though. Raducu's limited practice sessions have raised eyebrows, with a two-hour session on Saturday being cut short due to discomfort in her heavily taped right foot. But yesterday's one-hour session with Alexis Canter was more promising - even if she did keep things low-key.
Raducanu has been honest about the mental strain of dealing with injury uncertainty: "It's difficult waking up each day, not knowing how it's going to be." Yet she credits her support team for keeping her motivated: "I have great people around me – that's one thing that's really been helping in this latest setback."
Raducanu's Queen's Club heroics had set the bar high for Wimbledon, making this latest injury just another hurdle in a career marked by physical setbacks. But she's not about to give up - and with her home crowd cheering her on, she's more determined than ever to put on a show.