“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 shortly before withdrawing from the Italian Open. Her exit comes just minutes after fulfilling her media obligations, drawing attention to her ongoing health struggles.
Raducanu has not played since early March, when she lost to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells. This absence has raised concerns, especially as she had been practicing in Rome for several days leading up to the tournament.
The rules are strict: if she hadn’t completed her media obligations, she would have faced a $1,000 fine as per the WTA regulations. In this case, it seems the pressure of public expectations weighed heavily on her decision.
Key facts:
- Raducanu withdrew due to a post-viral illness.
- She has been absent from the tour since March 8.
- The Italian Open 2026 will run from May 5 to May 17.
As the clay court season begins, Raducanu’s situation casts a shadow over her preparations for Roland-Garros. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner aims to continue his strong performance at this year’s event.
Interestingly, Carlos Alcaraz will also be absent from the men’s singles draw at the Italian Open. His absence alongside Raducanu raises questions about how these withdrawals will impact their standings in upcoming tournaments.
Despite these setbacks, there is still hope for Raducanu. She could participate in warm-up events leading up to the French Open — if her health permits. The tennis community watches closely as she navigates these challenges.
