The 18-year-old receives medical care during match against Ajla Tomljanovic
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)British teenager, Emma Raducanu, was faced with a heartbreaking decision to withdraw from Monday’s Wimbledon match against Australian, Ajla Tomljanovic, for medical reasons.
While the nature of the medical reason hasn’t yet been disclosed, the 18-year-old looked as though she was struggling to breathe. Calling on the medics, Raducanu left the court for just under five minutes before the match was called off.
Taking to their official Twitter account, Wimbledon announced:
“Due to medical reasons, Emma Raducanu has retired from this match - but what an incredible run to the fourth round it was #Wimbledon“
Due to medical reasons, Emma Raducanu has retired from this match - but what an incredible run to the fourth round it was 💚 💜#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/fmp6M0twDw
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 5, 2021
Fans took to Twitter with an overwhelming show of support, praise, and ‘get well soon’ messages.
One highlighted Raducanu’s incredible achievement, saying ‘she should be so proud of herself’.
Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu! She should be so proud of herself, what an achievement!…. This won’t be the last time we see her!! Keep fighting on Emma!! 💪🏼💪🏼 🎾 #Wimbledon #EmmaRaducanu
— James Lusted (@DwarfmanJay) July 5, 2021
Another pointed out the teen’s bright future ahead, “beginning for a future superstar I’m sure”.
Gutted for @emmaraducanu, hope she's ok. Head held high, fantastic performance throughout. Just the beginning for a future superstar I'm sure. #Wimbledon2021
— Bri C (@bri0an) July 5, 2021
One fan was ‘gutted’ but in awe of her performance on Monday.
Gutted for @EmmaRaducanu. Played so well and especially so when you could see she was in so much pain. Did phenomenonally well considering her age. Hope she's okay now and comes back stronger 💪🏾 #Wimbledon
— SP (@Sunil_YG30) July 5, 2021
Presenter, Dan Walker, sent his well-wishes for the 18-year-old.
How disappointing for @EmmaRaducanu.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 5, 2021
I hope she’s ok.#Wimbledon
“Britain really does have a top, top player in the making”, one pointed out.
Horrible way for it to end for @EmmaRaducanu, but I’ve seen more than enough to be convinced that she’ll be a Top 10 player in the future.
— Len (@LenM4) July 5, 2021
Britain really does have a top, top player in the making. #Wimbledon
so sad for emma :(( at 18 she did incredibly well in this tournament and should be proud, shame she had to forfeit through injury but as long as she is ok and healthy that’s the main thing ❤️ the future is bright !! @EmmaRaducanu #Wimbledon
— rubes (@morethanperriee) July 5, 2021
“She did herself and her country proud”, one said.
What a sad ending for @EmmaRaducanu but she did herself and her country proud. What a talent for the future, let’s hope she’s ok 🤞🏼 #Wimbledon
— Alex Kerr (@Alex_Kerr9) July 5, 2021
The whole country is proud of @EmmaRaducanu 🇬🇧 Future star ⭐️ #Wimbledon
— David James (@DavidJames901) July 5, 2021
Another tweeted their admiration for the young star.
Huge respect to @EmmaRaducanu for leaving it all on court and knowing when to call it time - stepping away from something you want so much takes more courage, guts & determination than any comeback on court would have done! Take care and rest well - you’ll be back!
— Rosie Pybus (@RosiePybus91) July 5, 2021
🦁🔥🇬🇧🎾💯
The teenager did not take part in a press conference, nor was there any clarification given on what had caused her breathing problems.
Australian opposition, Ajla Tomljanovic, spoke to the BBC on the court. She graciously said: “I’m really kind of shocked and it's so bittersweet - Emma must be really hurt if she came to the decision to retire, as a Brit playing at home.
“This must be so hard for her but it is the nature of the sport, I’m wishing her all the best.
“The beginning was really nervous from both sides but at the end of the first set, we really started to play both tennis.
“In the second I started to step up but if Emma was hurt then of course that explains it.
“It hasn’t really sunk in that I’m in the quarters because of the circumstances but to play Ash (Barty) in the quarters and meaning one Australian is going through to the semis is great, I’m sure everyone at home is pleased.”
Get well soon, Emma.
