Emma Raducanu will miss the US Open as she continues her recovery from a stress fracture.
The British number one suffered the injury to her right lower leg during the grass-court season and made a late decision to pull out of Wimbledon.
The 2021 US Open champion will now sit out this year’s event at Flushing Meadows, which begins on 23 August.
The decision was made after the 23-year-old’s latest consultations with her medical team. She had only recently stepped back on court wearing a protective boot.
Last summer Raducanu won her first matches at the US Open since she became a surprise champion but the past 12 months have been frustrating because of more persistent physical issues.
A foot injury severely hampered her pre-season training before she spent two and a half months off court with a post-viral illness after initially falling unwell in early February.
She returned for the end of the clay-court season having rehired Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to the US Open title, but the pair’s time on court together has been limited.
Raducanu enjoyed one of the best weeks of her career by reaching her biggest final since New York at Queen’s Club in June, but she has not played since.
Preparation explained part of the conversation. Watching her ride explained the rest.
Again and again, people used the same word. Smooth.
“She’s got a beautiful style. You could put a teacup on her back and it would not spill,” said two-time Commonwealth champion Katherine Bates.
“She’s got an exceptionally strong core. She does not move at all on the bike, even when putting out maximum power.”
Paralympic gold medalist and Finucane’s former Great Britain team-mate, Jenny Holl, believes that style is difficult to teach.
“Emma looks like she’s one with the bike,” she reveres.
“She’s so smooth, so dialed. She never looks like she’s fighting with it and, for me, that’s the biggest difference. That fluidity seems to give her that extra gear.”
Finucane’s positioning has taken years of refining and discipline.
“She’s so low but that’s really hard work. She’s trained herself to be in that position,” explained Partridge.
“The work she’s put in, the focus on the position and the discipline on her line, all these things add up to making her what she is.”
Perhaps the best example came in the women’s 1km time trial.
While most of the field opted for specialist time-trial handlebars, Finucane chose conventional drop handlebars.
Olympic champion cyclist Emma Finucane insists she has “nothing to prove” at the Commonwealth Games despite her ambitions of winning an elusive gold in Scotland.
Finucane, 23, collected two bronze medals in Birmingham four years ago but has since won 16 medals at the Olympics, World and European Championships.
The Welsh star says she is targeting “the top step” on the podium in Glasgow.
“I haven’t actually stood on the top step at the Commonwealth Games,” Finucane told BBC Sport Wales.
“That’s something I’d love to achieve this time round.
“I feel like I’m a different person four years on and I can’t wait to show what I can do on the track.”
The Carmarthenshire native credits the Birmingham 2022 Games as the “springboard” to where she is today.
“I would not be where I am today without the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“The first time I was pretty young, pretty naive to the sport of sprint cycling.
“It was a very overwhelming experience, whereas this time round I feel like I’m more of an established rider.”
She added: “I was 19 [in Birmingham] and the year after I won my first world title, which was crazy for me.
“I think it gave me the confidence I needed as an athlete to develop in my career, and get to where I am so quickly.
“We became Olympic champions two years ago, and I actually don’t even know how that happened.”
After four years as an item, Roberts and John tied the knot during an intimate ceremony at John’s family estate in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Saturday.
Page Six published photos of the outdoor nuptials that showed Roberts’ 5-year-old son, Rhodes (whom she shares with ex Garrett Hedlund), walking his mom down the flower-lined aisle, the bridal party dressed in coordinating black ensembles, Roberts throwing her head back in laughter while John appears to be reciting his vows and Roberts’ Oscar-winning aunt, Julia Roberts, taking her seat.
Notably not in attendance was the “American Horror Story” actor’s father, Eric Roberts. He addressed skipping the party, telling Page Six, “I love my daughter, always have, always will.”
“It is perfectly wonderful for her to celebrate however she wants, with whomever she wants.”
Among the famous friends who gathered for Roberts’ big day were “American Horror Story” co-stars Sarah Paulson and Billie Lourd, Demi Moore, Kristen Stewart and wife Dylan Meyer, “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson and her husband, Brandon Davis.
Roberts and John — an actor who has appeared in television shows including “In the Dark,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” and “The Rookie” — have been together since the summer of 2022. John popped the question two years later, in 2024. Roberts announced the news via Instagram with a photo of the two beaming near a river and a caption that read, “putting this here before my mom tells everyone.”
Roberts shared a glimpse into the planning of her wedding look with Vogue, who captured designer Monique Lhuillier discussing the concept of the dress. “Working with Monique has been an absolute dream,” she told Vogue. “I wanted it to feel very vintage-inspired. I’m obsessed with antique books and and treasure hunting, and I love collecting old ephemera.
“So I really wanted that to like shine through in the dress. So for me, it wasn’t so much about the cut; it was like about what the color was going to be. So Monique actually designed a custom color, and it’s this antique kind of tea-stained color that is so beautiful. Because I realized that, on my wedding day, I kind of wanted to look like a ghost, a little like [an] antique ghost doll.”
Lhuillier posted some clips from the Vogue fitting on social media and wrote that designing Roberts’ gown was about capturing a feeling of timeless romance through a modern lens. “Every detail, from the custom Vintage Rose hue to the hand-draped silk chiffon, delicate lacework and sculpted corsetry, was created to reflect her effortless spirit while celebrating the artistry of couture.”
This is the first marriage for the “Holidate” star. Roberts split from “Tron” and “Country Strong” actor Hedlund in 2022 after an on-again, off-again three-year relationship. She was also famously linked to “American Horror Story” actor Evan Peters. The pair had a tumultuous seven-year relationship that spanned 2012 to 2019.
ACTRESS Emma Roberts has tied the knot with her fiancee Cody John in a lavish Idaho wedding.
TheAmerican Horror Storystar, 36, said “I Do” in front of close friends and family including the “Nerve” actress’s A-list aunt, Julia Roberts.
Emma Roberts has tied the knot with her fiancee Cody John in a lavish Idaho weddingCredit: GettyThe couple announced their engagement back in 2024Credit: Instagram/emmaroberts
A source told Page Six that the ceremony took place in 95-degree weather and lasted about 45 minutes.
Emma looked gorgeous in a white chiffon wedding gown that featured a high slit as she held onto her son Rhodes’ hand as they walked down the aisle.
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Cody, 29, looked stylish in a black tuxedo as he stood at the altar reading his vows to his new wife.
The couple got engaged back in July 2024, after nearly two years together.
The American Horror Story star, 36, said “I Do” in front of close friends and family including the “Nerve” actress’s A-list aunt, Julia RobertsCredit: GettyEmma has starred in American Horror Story since 2013.Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
At the time, Emma shared a photo of herself and Cody with the caption, “putting this here before my mom tells everyone.”
In the selfie, she was shown hugging her new husband while showing off her engagement ring on her finger.
Emma shares a son, Rhodes, with her ex-boyfriend, actor Garrett Hedlund.
The pair have co-parented Rhodes since the news of their breakup came out in January 2022.
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“It’s been easy for Emma to co-parent with Garrett in a healthy way because she is so happy,” a source told Entertainment Tonight in October 2022.
Emma hails from New Jersey and is an American singer and actress.
She is the niece of Hollywood actress, Julia Roberts, and spent time on the sets of her aunt’s films when she was growing up, which inspired her to pursue a career in acting.
Her Hollywood debut was in the 2001 film, Blow, a role that gained her recognition and landed her an opportunity in Nickelodeon’s series, Unfabulous.
Emma has appeared in numerous films since her debut including Aquamarine, Nerve, Nancy Drew, and Hotel For Dogs and has starred in American Horror Story since 2013.
BUSTED’s Matt Willis has penned an emotional book about his life on and off the stage.
The musician says he hopes the project will help others who are currently battling addiction issues.
Matt Willis has penned an emotional book about his life on and off the stage, including his marriage to Emma WillisCredit: GettyJust four weeks before his marriage to Emma in 2008, Matt checked into rehabCredit: Getty
Speaking about Mending: Busted, Breaking and Getting Better, out on October 8, Matt said: “For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to tell this story, or even if I should.
“But over the last few years, I’ve realised that talking honestly about addiction, recovery, family and everything I’ve learned along the way might help someone else.
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“This isn’t a book about having all the answers. I definitely don’t.
“It’s about learning that recovery isn’t a finish line, life doesn’t suddenly become perfect, and that we’re all still figuring things out as we go.
“Writing it has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I honestly can’t wait for you to read it.”
Just four weeks before his marriage to Emma Willis in 2008, Matt checked into rehab, and despite a relapse in 2016, he’s now been sober for almost nine years.
He’s a brave man, and I’m looking forward to reading his book.
Matt said: ‘Writing it has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done’Credit: SuppliedDespite a relapse in 2016, he’s now been sober for almost nine yearsCredit: PA
WANT A BLUE PETER BADGE LIKE HARRY? YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK
Harry Styles said it was one of his proudest achievements when he was given a Gold Blue Peter Badge to mark his record-breaking run of 12 shows at WembleyCredit: PA
HARRY STYLES said it was one of his proudest achievements when he was given a Gold Blue Peter Badge to mark his record-breaking run of 12 shows at Wembley .
But I can reveal that the Beeb has now resorted to giving the famous accolade away on freebie websites in a desperate bid to keep the younger generation tuning in.
Once a prized possession, Blue Peter badges used to be given out strictly on merit.
However, an online listing reads: “The BBC are giving away free Blue Peter badges to anyone aged between five and 15.
“The badge allows you to gain free entry to over 200 attractions. Just send Blue Peter a letter explaining why you’d like one. That’s all.”
I understand it’s a sign of the times, but it seems a bit bleak to give it away for next to nothing.
BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas joined American legend Gloria Gaynor for an unlikely collaboration on her 1979 hit I Will Survive at Boogie- town Festival in Surrey at the weekend.
Sydnie said: “I didn’t want it to end. Her love and passion consumes you.
“In that moment, nothing else mattered but the love of music.”
PUB MICK: IT’S CRAWL OVER NOW
Sir Mick Jagger has revealed how he ended up singing in a pub in Oxford last monthCredit: SuppliedThe global rock icon joined an Irish folk group at The Half Moon pub where he sang Handsome Molly with themCredit: Getty
The global rock icon, whose band The Rolling Stones are on course for their 15th No1 album on Friday with Foreign Tongues, joined an Irish folk group at The Half Moon pub where he sang Handsome Molly with them.
Explaining how it happened, he told the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast: “I had dinner at an Oxford college and then one of the students who I was talking with said, ‘I play mandolin. I’m going down the road to play with an Irish band. Do you want to come?’.
“I said, ‘Sure’, and I took a couple of people I was with and the provost of the college, who took his gown off.
“The band was doing fiddle pieces and the guy joined in with his mandolin, but no one was singing so I thought, ‘Well, here’s an opening. This is my chance for pub crawl singing’.”
I don’t think you’ll ever have to revert to that, Mick.
Kerry’s all gold
Kerry Washington was going for gold as she hit the red carpetCredit: GettyWhitney White, Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry WashingtonCredit: Getty
The actress wore this quirky metallic gown at the opening of stage production The Whoopi Monologues in New York.
Things really are going swimmingly for US star Kerry, who appears in the show penned by Sister Act’s Whoopi Goldberg.
The one-woman comedy turn debuted on Broadway in 1984, starring Whoopi herself, pictured with Kerry at the opening.
Speaking on US TV’s The View about the original hit, Kerry said: “Whoopi has been such a groundbreaker – a trailblazer and an inspiration for so many of us.
“Throughout my career, this show became a bonding place with other actresses. I would meet them and we would talk about how it impacted us and our idea of what was possible.”
SET FOR A MAIDEN VOYAGE
Iron Maiden have sold a stake in their publishing and master music rightsCredit: Getty
IRON MAIDEN have sold a stake in their publishing and master music rights, name and image to the Pophouse Entertainment company run by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, with massive plans to expand their legacy.
The big-money deal with Bruce Dickinson and the group was announced yesterday and comes after the firm partnered with other acts including Tina Turner and Kiss.
It will mean the band can pursue new creative ventures, including the filming of their Run For Your Lives tour for a “major cinematic project” as well as “developing a digital universe centered around” their mascot Eddie.
It’s exciting news for fans of the band, given Pophouse is the founding investor in Abba Voyage.
Perhaps Iron Maiden will be returning to a stage, in digital form, soon.
Kim’s heart is racing
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s romance is motoringCredit: Instagram / @kimkardashian
Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis have shown their public support for Johannes Radebe ahead of their debut as Strictly Come Dancing presenters by turning up at his West End show
The trio are set to host Strictly later this year(Image: josh_widdicombe/Instagram)
Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis have shown their public support for Johannes Radebe ahead of their debut as Strictly Come Dancing presenters. It was announced earlier this year that comedian Josh, 43, along with former Big Brother host Emma, 50, and Strictly pro Johannes, 39, would be the new trio to head up the BBC Saturday night favourite in place of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
On Wednesday, Josh revealed that he and Emma had paid a visit to the London Coliseum where the show is running so they could see their co-star in action.
Alongside a picture of them backstage, along with X Factor winner Matt Cardle, who plays Charlie Price, Josh wrote on Instagram: “Incredible evening watching @johannesradebe absolutely smash the west end in Kinky Boots. Emma and I a bit too in love with him in the second pic.”
The trip were previously seen expressing their excitement for their new roles at a photoshoot for the BBC dancing competition, in a behind-the-scenes video posted to Strictly Come Dancing’s Instagram.
The announcement was a long time to come, and fans have waited almost a year to find out just who will step into the roles once held by Tess and Claudia. But following the first public appearance of the trio, several fans were left divided about what is to come, with some predicting that the lineup will change again after just one series.
One fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’m so sorry but even this photo backs up my theory that it’ll just be Emma + Johannes after 1 series. This is just so odd and you can’t keeeeep dancing like this!”
Another said: “I would have put Emma with Rylan, not sure about Josh or Johannes,” and a third, writing on Reddit, said: “producers were thoroughly surprised and impressed with Johannes during the screentest.
“I wouldn’t be surprised they added the 3rd host role specifically for him. If Josh doesn’t work out for them, they can slot Johannes right in that spot upstairs, with a year of experience under his belt. If it does all work out, they have 3 amazing hosts!”
Others had an optimistic outlook, with one viewer writing: “Good luck Josh, Emma and JoJo, looking forward to the new line-up!”
Another said: “Love Emma! Don’t know too much about Josh so will stay open minded before making judgements. I’m sort of gutted we won’t see Jojo with a partner, but I will love to watch him on my screen every week!!”
Fears about the British number one’s fitness grew over the past week.
Raducanu was spotted wearing a protective boot on Wednesday, then was unable to train on Thursday and Friday because of what is believed to be a shin problem.
The 2021 US Open champion returned to the court on Saturday to test her fitness and, wearing strapping around her lower right leg, started with a gentle hour-long session with her team.
But she then cut short another practice session with Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya – when the pair played a set – with 10 minutes remaining.
There were signs of improvement in her practice session on Sunday morning.
Raducanu was slightly less tentative against hitting partner Alexis Canter – particularly when she pushed with her right leg on the forehand side – but it was not as rigorous a test of her movement as she got against Kalinskaya.
Later on Sunday, Raducanu told the media she was willing to push herself and take more risk with the injury in order to step out at the All England Club.
“Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process,” Raducanu said.
Britain’s Emma Raducanu overcomes an injury scare to beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5 and advance to the semi-finals of the Queen’s Club Championship.
Raducanu had looked far from her best in her past two matches following illness but, 16 days after her first-round exit at Roland Garros, the Briton made afresh on Andy Murray Arena.
The 2021 US Open champion held a commanding 3-0 lead before rain halted play – but that would not disrupt her rhythm.
She captured the first set without reply after just 20 minutes on court, winning 25 of the 31 points played – hitting 11 winners and just two unforced errors.
Raducanu maintained that excellent level to begin the second set with a break of serve – although she would not have it entirely her own way.
A Queen’s quarter-finalist last year, Raducanu was hampered by double-faults as she allowed Blinkova back in – with four successive breaks of serve tying the set at three games apiece.
However, Raducanu broke again, courtesy of a fortuitous net cord, to set up the chance to serve out the match, and she wore a beaming smile in the sunshine as a closing backhand winner down the line on her second match point was met by huge cheers.
Writing ‘back home’ with a heart on a TV camera lens before exiting the court, Raducanu will return to face either Romanian Sorana Cirstea or Australia’s Maddison Inglis in the second round.