Emma Raducanu says she’ll “come back stronger” after her fairytale Wimbledon run came to an end on Monday evening when she was forced to retire from her fourth-round match due to “breathing difficulties.”
The 18-year-old British player, who was competing in her first grand slam, had lost the first set and was down 0-3 in the second when she called on a trainer.
She frequently bent over with her hand to her stomach during the second set, indicating that she was in pain. As she sat on Court One, a first trainer was followed by a second, with one appearing to listen to her breathing.
Raducanu had left the court for additional treatment when it was announced a few minutes later that he would not be returning. Wimbledon later confirmed that she had pulled out of the match.
Raducanu’s popularity has soared this week, prompting her to take to social media to reassure her new fans.
“I wanted to let everyone know that I am feeling much better this morning,” she wrote on Twitter Tuesday.
“First up, I want to congratulate Ajla on an incredible performance and I’m sorry our match ended the way it did. I was playing the best tennis of my life in front of an amazing crowd this week and I think the whole experience caught up with me.
After a series of “super intense rallies,” she began to “breathe heavily and felt dizzy,” according to her, and the medical team advised her to stop playing.
“Although it felt like the hardest thing in the world not to be able to finish my Wimbledon on court, I was not well enough to carry on. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout every match; I wanted to win so badly for you!”
I’d like to express my gratitude to the All England Club, my team, the LTA, my parents, and my friends. Last night will go a long way to helping me learn what it takes to perform at the top.
“I will cherish everything we have achieved together this week and come back stronger! Can’t wait to see what’s next on my journey.”
