Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open in Rome, dealing a blow to her preparations for the French Open. The British No. 1 cited a post-viral illness as the reason for her absence from the prestigious clay-court event, which begins this week at the Foro Italico.
The 21-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries and illnesses since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021, was scheduled to compete in Rome as part of her buildup to Roland Garros. However, organizers confirmed on Tuesday that Raducanu had pulled out due to health concerns.
“Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness,” a tournament spokesperson said. “We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on court soon.” The decision means Raducanu will miss an opportunity to gain valuable match practice on clay, a surface where she has struggled to find consistency.
Raducanu’s team has not provided a timeline for her return, but the withdrawal raises questions about her fitness ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 26. The Briton has played only a handful of matches in 2024, with her most recent outing ending in a first-round defeat at the Madrid Open earlier this month.
This latest setback adds to a growing list of physical issues that have hampered Raducanu’s progress since her breakthrough in New York. She has undergone multiple surgeries, including wrist and ankle operations, and has dealt with various minor ailments. The post-viral illness is the latest in a series of health challenges that have prevented her from building momentum on the WTA Tour.
Despite the disappointment, Raducanu remains a fan favorite and a key figure in British tennis. Her absence from Rome leaves a void in the draw, but the tournament will go ahead with a strong field, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.
As Raducanu focuses on recovery, her next scheduled event remains uncertain. She will likely need to prove her fitness before committing to the French Open or any grass-court warm-up events ahead of Wimbledon. The former champion’s supporters will hope this illness is short-lived and that she can return to competitive action soon.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.