Draper, Raducanu Withdraw From Wimbledon 2026 With Injuries as Workload Fears Deepen
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Draper, Raducanu Withdraw From Wimbledon 2026 With Injuries as Workload Fears Deepen
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Summary
Jack Draper pulled out less than 24 hours after warning that rising shoulder, arm and wrist injuries were "pretty worrying," while Emma Raducanu was already ruled out with a lower-leg stress fracture.
Draper said an almost 11-month season, longer matches and expanded mandatory events are breaking players down; medical experts cited longer rallies, faster movement and harder hitting as adding strain.
Bone bruising in Draper’s serving arm flared after four Eastbourne matches following a two-month layoff, while Raducanu linked her injury to five Queen’s matches in six days after months out.
Carlos Alcaraz also missed Wimbledon with a wrist injury, and Denis Shapovalov retired from his first-round match Monday with a shoulder problem, reinforcing concern over overuse across the tour.
Players and sports scientists are pushing for a shorter season, smarter scheduling and better data sharing, with some also warning that heavy workloads from a young age are compounding injuries.