How Emma Raducanu Can Take Advantage of a Little-Known WTA Rule Before Her Next Comeback
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been out with an injury since June. But there’s a little-known WTA rule that might help her get back to her old ranking of world No. 31.
Raducanu, who once won a Grand Slam, has dropped out of the top 100. However, if her injury keeps her off the tour until the 2026 season ends, she could use a special rule to protect her ranking.
The English player made it to the Queen’s final in June, losing to Donna Vekic, then missed Wimbledon because of a right leg stress fracture, which has kept her sidelined since.
At 22, Raducanu is the first player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier. She’s now ranked No. 107 and has fallen behind British players Katie Boulter and Fran Jones.
If she stops playing until 2027, she can apply for a protected ranking since she’s been injured for at least six months. This would let her come back at her old rank of No. 31 instead of No. 107.
Raducanu was supposed to play at the China Open but withdrew. There are six more events she could enter this year, like tournaments in Ningbo, Osaka, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Chennai, and Hong Kong. But if she plays in any of these, she won’t qualify for the protected ranking and will stay at her current ranking.
Using the protected ranking means Raducanu could enter up to eight tournaments and two Grand Slam events in 2027, based on her previous rank. Protected rankings help players who’ve been out injured to join big events without going through tough qualifying rounds.
Normally, to get into a Grand Slam main draw, players need to be ranked around the top 100. Raducanu’s current ranking of 107 isn’t high enough to guarantee entry. But with a protected ranking, she can enter these events, though she won’t get seeded, meaning she might face top players early on.
To get the protected ranking, Raducanu needs to ask the WTA after being out for six months due to injury by January 2027. Since her injury started in June 2026, if she skips the remaining events, she will qualify.
Because a stress fracture can cause lasting problems if rushed, taking time off might be the best choice for her health and future career.
If she goes for the protected ranking, her fans could see her back in Grand Slams in 2027, even though she’s currently ranked No. 107. It’s a hopeful step for the young star who once reached world No. 10 and won a major title.