Emma Raducanu has officially withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness. This marks an ongoing struggle for the young tennis star, who last competed on March 8 at Indian Wells.
Raducanu’s Recent Absences
Since her last match, Raducanu has missed several key tournaments. These include:
- Miami Open
- Clay-court events in Linz
- Madrid
Despite her absence from competition, the 23-year-old has been actively practicing. She has trained at:
- The National Tennis Centre in London
- The Ferrer Academy in Benidorm
Support Team in Rome
During her time in Rome, Raducanu was accompanied by Jane O’Donoghue, a friend and former LTA national coach. Her physiotherapist, Emma Stewart, was also there, assisting her throughout interviews.
Raducanu expressed her commitment to returning to the court fully prepared. “Clay courts are more physically demanding,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to come back strong. “I have been building my way up slowly and looking forward to when I get out there.”
Upcoming Opportunities
With the Italian Open behind her, Raducanu has one last opportunity to compete before the French Open. She can potentially play in events scheduled in:
- Strasbourg
- Rabat
If she misses the entire clay season, this would leave her absent from competition for an extended period. By the time the grass-court season starts, it could be three months since her last match.
Impact on World Rankings
Should Raducanu be fit enough to compete at Roland Garros, her chances are complicated by her current ranking. The French Open begins on May 24, and she is currently ranked 30 in the world. Only 32 players are seeded, and her withdrawal means she cannot defend points earned from her fourth-round appearance in Rome last year.
As the tournament approaches, Raducanu faces challenges from both health issues and ranking pressures, highlighting the competitive nature of professional tennis.
