“It’s been a long few weeks since I last competed. I’ve made good progress, good gains in the last few weeks,” said Emma Raducanu, just moments before she withdrew from the Italian Open in Rome.
Raducanu’s exit comes as a disappointment for fans eager to see her return to form during the clay court season. Just minutes after fulfilling her media obligations—an obligation she had to meet to avoid a $1,000 fine per WTA regulations—she announced her withdrawal due to a post-viral illness. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges she continues to face with her health.
The 20-year-old British No. 1 has not competed since early March, when she lost to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells. She had been practicing in Rome for several days, seemingly ready to make her mark at the Foro Italico.
Key facts:
- Raducanu has been absent from the tour since March 8.
- If she hadn’t completed her media obligations, she would have faced a fine equivalent to £733.
- The Italian Open is set to run from May 5 to May 17, with the women’s draw beginning on May 5.
As Raducanu steps back, other players are gearing up for their own battles. Jannik Sinner aims to continue his dominant run in men’s tennis, while Carlos Alcaraz will miss out this time around. The absence of top players raises questions about how this tournament will unfold as it leads into Roland-Garros.
Looking ahead, there’s still hope for Raducanu. She could participate in warm-up events leading up to the French Open, but no timeline has been shared regarding her recovery or return to competitive play.