TENNIS fans will be queuing up for their strawberries and cream in just over a week’s time as Wimbledon returns.
However, one of the game’s biggest names will not be making an appearance at this year’s championships.
Emma Raducanu in action at Wimbledon 2022News Group Newspapers Ltd
Wimbledon 2023: All the details you need ahead of this year’s tournament
British No.3 Emma Raducanu has announced she will not be competing at Wimbledon this year.
Why is Emma Raducanu not playing at Wimbledon 2023?
Emma Raducanu will not play at this year’s Wimbledon due to procedures on her hands and ankle back in May.
The 2021 US Open champion will miss the whole grass court season as she recovers from surgery.
Tennis player Emma Raducanu waves from a bed after undergoing surgery on her hands and ankle@emmaraducanu via Instagram
Raducanu posted a photo smiling in a hospital bed and said in a hand-written note to her 2.5million Instagram followers: “It is safe to say the last ten months have been difficult as I dealt with a recurring injury on a bone of both hands.
“I tried my best to manage the pain and play through it for most of this year and end of last year by reducing practice load dramatically, missing weeks of training as well as cutting last season short to try (to) heal it. Unfortunately, it’s not enough.
“I’m having a minor procedure done on both hands to resolve the issues.
“I’m disappointed to share that I will be out for the next few months and while I am at it will have another minor procedure that is due on my ankle.
“It pains me that I will miss the summer events and I tried to downplay the issues so I thank all my fans who continued to support me when you did not know the facts.
“Looking forward to seeing you all back out there.”
Raducanu hopes to be training on the tennis court again by the end of the summer but her team are refusing to predict an exact return date to competition.
When is Wimbledon 2023?
Wimbledon 2023 is scheduled to get underway on Monday, July 3 – one week later than usual before concluding with the Men’s Singles final on Sunday, July 16.
The very first matches on No.1 Court for the 136th iconic tournament will commence from 11am BST but Centre Court games are set to start at 1pm BST.
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London is as ever the allocated venue for this huge Grand Slam which can host approximately 42,000 spectators.
Wimbledon 2023 schedule
Monday July 3 – Tuesday July 4
Men’s and Women’s Singles First Round
Wednesday July 5 – Thursday July 6
Men’s and Women’s Singles Second Round
Friday July 7 – Saturday July 8
Men’s and Women’s Singles Third Round
Sunday July 9 – Monday July 10
Men’s and Women’s Singles Fourth Round
Tuesday July 11 – Wednesday July 12
Men’s and Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals
Thursday July 13
Women’s Singles Semi-Finals
Friday July 14
Men’s Singles Semi-Finals
Saturday July 15
Women’s Singles Final
Sunday July 16
Men’s Singles Final Read More