“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 just minutes before announcing her withdrawal from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness. This decision comes after she completed her media obligations, emphasizing her ongoing struggles with health.
Raducanu has not played since March 8, when she lost to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells. Her absence from the tour has raised concerns about her fitness as she approaches major tournaments like Roland-Garros. She had been practicing in Rome for several days leading up to her withdrawal, which adds another layer of disappointment for fans hoping to see her compete on clay.
That context matters because if Raducanu had not fulfilled her media duties, she would have faced a $1,000 fine under the 2026 WTA rulebook. This underscores the pressure athletes face even when dealing with personal health issues.
The Italian Open is set to run from May 5 to May 17, with the women’s draw starting on May 5 and the men’s draw commencing a day later on May 6. Jannik Sinner aims to continue his dominant run in the men’s game at this prestigious event, while Carlos Alcaraz is among the notable absentees.
Raducanu’s situation raises questions about her participation in upcoming warm-up events ahead of the French Open. Fans and analysts alike wonder if she will be ready to compete at Roland-Garros or if further withdrawals are on the horizon.