Emma Raducanu withdraws from Italian Open
Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Italian Open in a bewildering turn of events, withdrawing merely half an hour after completing her pre-tournament press duties in Rome, reports BritPanorama.
The 23-year-old British number one informed journalists that she had “turned a corner” following months battling a post-viral illness. However, her sudden exit from the WTA 1000 event was confirmed by tournament officials at 7pm local time on Tuesday evening.
The withdrawal marks yet another setback for the 2021 US Open champion, who had been spotted practicing in the Italian capital over recent days and appeared genuinely optimistic about her return to competitive action. Raducanu has not competed since suffering a heavy defeat to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells on 8th March, where she lost 6-1, 6-1.
The lingering effects of a viral illness, first contracted during her impressive run to the Transylvania Open final in Cluj back in February, have plagued her season. She has been forced to withdraw from the Miami Open, the Linz Open, and most recently the Madrid Open as symptoms persisted.
Prior to falling ill, a foot injury had already disrupted her off-season preparations and build-up to the Australian Open, compounding what has been a thoroughly frustrating 2026 campaign for the talented Briton. During her media appearance, Raducanu spoke candidly about her challenging recovery period, stating, “Last two months, in the beginning, it was quite difficult. Wasn’t feeling the best physically. And I think it had just been lingering for a while. Whereas the last three weeks, I think I’ve really turned a corner and I feel so much better.”
Raducanu had expressed genuine enthusiasm about her return, mentioning that she felt “great on the court” and was “very hungry and happy” to be back training. She acknowledged that clay courts present greater physical demands than other surfaces but insisted she wanted to return “100 per cent ready.”
The peculiar timing of events may be explained by WTA regulations, which mandate that players fulfill media obligations even when withdrawing from tournaments, with non-compliance carrying a fine of up to $15,000, approximately £11,000. Her participation at Roland-Garros, commencing on 24th May, now appears increasingly uncertain given she will not have competed in a match for over two months.
Two smaller WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat over the coming fortnight represent Raducanu’s final opportunities to gain match practice before the French Open. Rome was also significant as she had fourth-round ranking points to defend from last year’s tournament.
