Andrew Castle says Emma Raducanu may eventually walk away from tennis

Andrew Castle believes Emma Raducanu could eventually decide to end her tennis career because of her repeated injury problems. The former British number one was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon on the eve of her opening match after a lower right-leg stress fracture developed from what had initially been described as a manageable niggle.

Raducanu has endured a series of physical setbacks in recent seasons. Her problems have included operations on both her wrist and ankle, viral illnesses and back trouble, adding to the uncertainty around her ability to maintain a regular playing schedule.

Castle said Raducanu’s decision would ultimately belong to her and her family. He argued that she did not have to continue for sponsors or for any other people connected with her career, because the consequences of the choice would be hers to live with.

The comments reflect the strain created by Raducanu’s interrupted progress since she became Britain’s leading player. Her withdrawal from Wimbledon was another setback, with the stress fracture ruling her out before she could begin her campaign at the tournament.

Castle said he hoped Raducanu would remain in the sport and enjoy several seasons without injury. In his view, a sustained period of fitness would give her the chance to focus on playing rather than repeatedly dealing with physical problems.

He also suggested that her early development might have benefited from a simpler schedule centred on matches, including events on the Challenger circuit. That route, he indicated, could have allowed her to build experience gradually while concentrating on competing.

For now, Raducanu’s future remains tied to whether she can overcome the cycle of injuries that has disrupted her career. Castle’s concern is not based on an announced retirement, but on the possibility that the accumulated setbacks could eventually make her decide that continuing is no longer worthwhile.