Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and British No. 1, received what she described as “pretty bad news” ahead of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, compounded by the All England Club’s decision to implement a rare heat rule for the first time in the tournament’s history. As reported by *Express Sport* on June 30, 2025, Wimbledon referee Denise Parnell announced that the heat rule, allowing a 10-minute break between the second and third sets of singles matches when temperatures exceed 30.1°C (86°F), would apply to all main draw and qualifying matches. This rule, requested by either player in a match, aims to protect athletes but could disrupt Raducanu’s rhythm, given her ongoing recovery from a back injury and her admitted mental fragility following personal challenges.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2074988/Wimbledon-LIVE-Emma-Raducanu-Alcaraz-Sinner-Djokovic)
Raducanu’s “bad news” comment, made during a press conference on June 28, 2025, per *Sky Sports*, likely refers to a combination of factors, including a stalking incident that resurfaced before Wimbledon. A man who followed her to tournaments in Asia earlier in 2025, handing her a letter and signed photo, attempted to purchase Wimbledon tickets through the public ballot but was blocked, as confirmed by Raducanu to the BBC: “Everyone at Wimbledon did an amazing job.” This incident, which caused her to break down in tears during the 2025 Dubai Championships, per *EssentiallySports*, has added emotional strain, evident in her tearful reaction after a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 comeback win over Ann Li at Eastbourne on June 24, 2025.
The heat rule, described as a “curveball” by *Express Sport*, poses a particular challenge for Raducanu, who has been managing a back injury that forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open and contributed to a second-round loss to Maya Joint at Eastbourne. Her candid admission, “I don’t expect much from myself this year,” reflects the physical and mental toll, per *Tennis365*. Facing 17-year-old wildcard Mingge Xu in the first round on June 30, 2025, with potential matchups against Marketa Vondrousova and Aryna Sabalenka looming, Raducanu risks losing the 240 ranking points from her 2024 fourth-round run, potentially dropping her from No. 38 to outside the top 50.
Fans on X expressed concern, with @DExpress_Sport on June 30, 2025, noting the heat rule’s potential to “disrupt players like Raducanu who rely on momentum.” However, Raducanu remains focused on enjoying Wimbledon, inspired by Ana Ivanovic’s advice to avoid regrets, telling *The Guardian*, “I want to bring joy to what I do.” Supported by coach Mark Petchey and friend Fran Jones, who was in her box at Eastbourne, Raducanu aims to navigate these challenges and defy expectations at SW19.[]
