Emma Raducanu said she “plans to play” Wimbledon as the British No 1 weighs up whether to risk aggravating a leg injury that has thrown her preparations for the tournament into doubt.
The 23-year-old is scheduled to play Antonia Ruzic at 1pm on Monday in the opening match on Court No 1 but has been managing a “lower-leg niggle” and has been wearing strapping around her right ankle.
Raducanu, the 30th seed, was seen wearing a protective boot earlier this week, then cut short a training session with Anna Kalinskaya on Saturday after losing the opening four games.
The problem started earlier this month during Raducanu’s run at Queen’s, when she returned from a long injury lay-off and before five matches in a week, including two in one day to reach the final.
“I’m going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment,” said Raducanu, who came through a practice session on Sunday. “That’s the plan right now, to play.”
Raducanu said she had been feeling “tentative” and “hesitant” when she cut her training 10 minutes short on Saturday but appeared in a more positive mood on Sunday and confirmed she “did feel better” on the court.
Asked whether she would consider playing through the injury at her home grand slam, Raducanu said: “I think risk is always a factor. I think a lot of players are probably managing things.
“I think 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 think I probably pushed beyond anything that I would [have done] for any other tournament. That’s for a fact. It’s just to what extent.
“I don’t think anyone can tell me I’m not going to make it worse. I just have to be aware of the risks I’m taking stepping out onto the court, weighing up if I’m willing to do that.”
Raducanu reached her third career final two weeks ago when she impressively battled to the final of Queen’s in front of her home fans in west London, losing the final to former Wimbledon semi-finalist Donna Vekic.
Injury issues have been a frustratingly persistent issue in the former US Open champion’s career and she said it had been “difficult” not knowing whether she would be ready to play Wimbledon.
“Not knowing whether you’re in or out causes a lot of uncertainty,” she said. “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.”
