Emma Raducanu’s shocking Wimbledon run has scary ending

The fairytale story at Wimbledon ended with a frightening exit.

British wild card Emma Raducanu left her fourth-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic breathing heavily and being helped by trainers. A few moments later, the match referee announced that Raducanu, 18, would not return and the match was over.

Emma Raducanu in her fourth round Wimbledon match on July 6, 2021.
Emma Raducanu in her fourth round Wimbledon match on July 6, 2021.
PA Images via Getty Images

At around 6 p.m. EST, several hours after the match had been completed, Wimbledon said there would be “no statement” from Raducanu on Monday night.

“Nice slow breaths, that’s it,” the trainer was seen telling Raducanu after the teen called for a medical timeout trailing 6-4, 3-0. “Take deep breaths, you can do it, you’re OK.”

The unknown Raducanu, ranked No. 338 in the world, had suddenly become the toast of England over the past week after pulling three shocking upsets to reach the Round of 16.

Her wins over Markéta Vondroušová in the first round and Sorana Cîrstea in the third round were her first ever matches against top-100 players.

“I am really kind of shocked. Emma must be really hurt being a Brit playing at home,” Tomljanovic said in her on-court interview moments after the match. “I am really sorry but it’s sport, it happens, I am really wishing her all the best.

Emma Raducanu in her fourth round Wimbledon match on July 6, 2021.
Emma Raducanu in her fourth round Wimbledon match on July 6, 2021.
PA Images via Getty Images

“I’m kind of shocked. I’m really sorry for her. I wish we could have finished it. It’s sport, it happens. I wish her all the best.”

Tomljanovic will face fellow Aussie and No. 1-ranked Ash Barty in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

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