Tennis world left gutted over fresh Emma Raducanu drama: 'Really sad'

Emma Raducanu has raised fears about her participation at Wimbledon after suffering a fresh injury blow at the grass-court event in Nottingham.

The US Open champion has suffered a number of worrying injuries in recent months and was once again forced to retire hurt in the opening round in Nottingham on Tuesday.

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The 19-year-old had to pull the pin just seven games into her match against Viktorija Golubic because a side injury.

Raducanu could be seen grabbing at her side in the opening game of the match and struggled for the remainder, calling a medical timeout but never recovering.

Playing her first match on home soil since she won the US Open in September, Raducanu said she had "no idea" whether she will be fit for Wimbledon at the end of the month.

"The first game, an absolute freak, I think I pulled something, I am not really sure what exactly happened," she said.

"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 cannot diagnose myself. I will get it checked out."

It was the third time Raducanu has withdrawn from a tournament due to injury since she burst onto the tennis scene with her stunning US Open triumph.

The World No.11 also bowed out of matches in Guadalajara in February and Rome in May, and is due to play in Birmingham next week.

The latest retirement raises further questions about Raducanu's fitness as she continues to struggle with the physical demands of life on the WTA Tour.

The British teenager, who made her WTA debut at Nottingham 12 months ago, has not won more than two matches at a tournament since her remarkable journey from the qualifying rounds to the title at the US Open.

"It is just a shame. I am obviously disappointed and it is really bad luck," Raducanu said.

"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."

Tennis world left concerned for Emma Raducanu

Raducanu captivated the tennis world at Wimbledon last year when she made it to the fourth round before retiring against Ajla Tomljanovic with breathing problems.

The teenager later admitted she was overwhelmed by the situation of playing on centre court in front of a packed crowd.

Meanwhile, Tomljanovic served impressively as she made a promising start to her grass-court season by beating Xinyu Wang 6-4 6-4 in 73 minutes.

Last year's Wimbledon quarter-finalist was rarely troubled, winning 82 per cent on first serve with six aces.

The Australian women's No.1, fifth seed in Nottingham, is now the highest ranked player in her quarter of the draw after Raducanu's exit.

Fans were left gutted for Raducanu after the latest dramas, while others were forced to defend the 19-year-old from some nasty criticism.

with AAP

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