Emma Raducanu has been seen on crutches just days after her heartbreaking withdrawal from Wimbledon, with the British tennis star continuing her recovery from the injury that ruled her out of her home Grand Slam.
The former US Open champion was forced to pull out of the Championships less than a day before her scheduled first-round match against Antonia Ruzic after medical scans confirmed she had suffered a stress fracture in her shin.
Now, fresh images from The Sun have shown the 23-year-old using crutches during an evening out in London with her boyfriend, John Friend.
Despite the obvious mobility issues, Raducanu appeared in upbeat spirits as the pair headed out for dinner in Chelsea, smiling and chatting while making their way to a restaurant.
The sighting comes only days after Raducanu delivered the devastating news to fans via social media, admitting she was "heartbroken" to miss the tournament she has long described as the highlight of her season.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Raducanu wrote: "Hi everyone, I can't believe I'm saying this, but sadly I've had to withdraw from this year's Wimbledon.
"I've done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I've been managing has developed into a stress fracture.
Emma Raducanu has been seen on crutches just days after her heartbreaking withdrawal from Wimbledon, with the British tennis star continuing her recovery from the injury that ruled her out of her home Grand Slam
|GETTY
"And I've been medically advised to stop pushing through.
"Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.
"I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement. Especially at a time like this, it is invaluable. I look forward to seeing you when I'm back."
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Five things to know about Wimbledon | GB NEWSConcerns over Raducanu's fitness had been growing in the days leading up to Wimbledon after she was seen wearing support around her lower leg during practice at Aorangi Park.
The warning signs intensified when she was unable to complete a scheduled training session and later cancelled a planned press conference, prompting fears she would be unable to take her place in the draw.
Those fears were confirmed when Raducanu officially withdrew around 15 hours before she had been due to begin her campaign against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.
The injury became increasingly apparent during a practice session with Anna Kalinskaya, where the British No 1 showed visible discomfort while moving around the court and serving.
Raducanu had been attempting to manage the problem since reaching the final of the Queen's Club Championships two weeks earlier, but further examinations revealed the issue had worsened into a stress fracture.
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg
| REUTERSHer withdrawal was one of the biggest blows of the opening week at Wimbledon, with home supporters denied the chance to cheer on one of Britain's biggest sporting stars.
The focus for Raducanu will now turn to rehabilitation, with the hope she can make a full recovery before returning to the WTA Tour later this season.
The 2021 Grand Slam champion isn't the only Briton sidelined for the tournament.
Jack Draper has also been forced to withdraw amid injury issues of his own.