"I have no idea about Wimbledon"; The US Open champion was trailing 4-3 in the first set against Viktorija Golubic when she retired at the Nottingham Open; Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from three matches since winning the US Open in September
Wednesday 8 June 2022 06:04, UK
Emma Raducanu has sparked doubts over her fitness for Wimbledon after retiring from the Nottingham Open with injury.
The teenager needed a medical timeout in the early stages of her clash with Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic after suffering a problem to her left side as her injury problems continue.
She received treatment and took painkillers in an attempt to carry on, but had to pull out of the match trailing 4-3 in the first set - the third time she has had to do so since winning the US Open in September.
Speaking after her retirement, Raducanu said she will need a scan to find out the extent of the injury and has "no idea" whether she will be fit for Wimbledon.
"The first game an absolute freak. I think I pulled something, I am not really sure what exactly happened," she said.
"I have just come off court, an absolute freak injury.
"I don't know what I could have done more about it. That is it.
"I need to get a scan first. I am not going to 'Google doctor' myself. I will get it checked out. Then we will see from there.
"I have no idea (about Wimbledon). It could have just seized up and gone into spasm and then it is really bad for a few days.
"I have no idea. I cannot diagnosis myself. I will get it checked out."
The British No 1 insisted this problem was not connected to her recent back issue and says she cannot "catch a break".
"I am trying to keep that positive mindset that I have been having," she added.
"I have prepared really well for this tournament. I was feeling good, comfortable and I think even when I was out there, there were signs I was happy with playing more aggressively and stuff. It is just a shame.
"I am obviously disappointed and it is really bad luck. Sometimes I feel like I have been putting really bad work in and it is almost like you just want to catch a break but I haven't really.
"That's out of my control, but right now all I can focus on is what I am doing and I think I am doing a lot of good work. I just need to trust that it will come and right now it is happening for a reason and I am exactly where I need to be."
The Nottingham Open marked her first match in the UK since her historic run to the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, which she followed up with a memorable victory at Flushing Meadows.
The retirement will raise further questions about her fitness as she continues to struggle with the physical demands of life on the WTA Tour.
Don't forget to follow us on skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports - on the go! Available to download now on - iPhone & iPad and Android
