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Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to ongoing post-viral symptoms that have kept her sidelined from the WTA Tour for the past two months.
The British number one had been training in Rome since Saturday and even spoke to the media shortly before officially confirming her withdrawal. Under WTA rules, players are required to fulfill media obligations on site even if they intend to pull out, or risk facing fines. Despite her participation in interviews, there was little indication at the time that she would step away from the tournament.
Raducanu explained that while she feels she is making progress, she is not yet at full fitness and wants to ensure she returns only when completely ready. She said she has made positive strides in recent weeks but emphasized that her comeback is still in its early stages.
The 23-year-old has not competed since March 8, when she last played at Indian Wells. Since then, she has missed several events, including the Miami Open and clay-court tournaments in Linz and Madrid, as she focused on recovering from illness.
In recent weeks, Raducanu has resumed training at the National Tennis Centre in London and at the Ferrer Academy near Benidorm. During her time in Rome, she was accompanied by Jane O'Donoghue, a close friend and former LTA coach, as well as her physiotherapist Emma Stewart, who has been supporting her recovery process.
Raducanu noted that playing on clay courts demands a high level of physical endurance, which has influenced her cautious approach. She said she is gradually building her strength and fitness, with the aim of returning at full capacity rather than rushing back prematurely.
Her withdrawal means she will miss another opportunity to compete ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 24 at Roland Garros. She could still enter a final warm-up event in Strasbourg or Rabat in the coming weeks, but if she skips those tournaments, her absence will extend to nearly three months.
Even if she returns in time for Roland Garros, Raducanu is likely to compete as an unseeded player. Currently ranked 30 in the world, she is expected to drop in the rankings after being unable to defend points earned from her fourth-round appearance in Rome last year.
During her recovery, Raducanu also spent time training with Andrew Richardson, who guided her to her 2021 US Open victory. While they reunited briefly at the Ferrer Academy, she confirmed there are no immediate plans to resume a formal coaching partnership, though she spoke positively about their time working together again.
