Full Breakdown
Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Italian Open Amid Ongoing Post-Viral Recovery
5/6/2026, 6:01:08 PM
Immediate Withdrawal: Italian Open
British No. 1 Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the Italian Open in Rome after completing the mandatory pre-tournament press conference. The decision was taken with her team, citing the lingering effects of a post-viral illness that has kept her off the WTA Tour since early March.
Recent Health Challenges and Absence
Raducanu has missed every event on the calendar from Indian Wells (March 8) through Miami, Linz, and the Mutua Madrid Open. The March 8 loss to Amanda Anisimova (6-1, 6-1) was her last competitive match. Sources report a concurrent right-hand injury contributed to her Madrid withdrawal, while the primary impediment remains the post-viral condition first diagnosed in early February. She described a six-week period of “doing nothing” while recovering and noted that the illness “takes a lot out of you physically.”
Coaching and Training Landscape
During her comeback, Raducanu resumed work with former US Open champion coach Andrew Richardson at the Ferrer Tennis Academy near Alicante. She also trained under childhood coach Jane O’Donoghue and physiotherapist Emma Stewart in Rome. Since splitting from longtime coach Francisco Roig in January, her primary on-court support has been hitting partner Alexis Canter, with a brief stint alongside Mark Petchey at Indian Wells.
Timeline of Recent Events
- Early Feb 2026 – Contracted viral illness.
- Mar 8 – Lost to Anisimova at Indian Wells (last match).
- Mar – Apr – Withdrew from Miami, Linz, Madrid; sat out Billie Jean King Cup qualifier vs Australia.
- Late Apr – Trained in Spain with Richardson; practiced in Rome.
- Early May – Completed media duties in Rome; withdrew from Italian Open.
Impact on Tournament and Upcoming French Open
Raducanu’s exit removes a potential third-round clash with Coco Gauff and reduces the depth of the WTA 1000 field ahead of Roland-Garros. As the 27th seed with a first-round bye, her absence also diminishes British representation in a marquee event. The withdrawal underscores uncertainty surrounding her readiness for the French Open, scheduled to begin on 24 May.
Official Statements & Responses
The Press Association reported that Raducanu withdrew “as she continues to get back to full fitness.” The WTA rulebook requires players to fulfil on-site media obligations even when withdrawing, noting that failure to do so may result in a fine; no penalty was indicated in this case. Tournament officials have not issued a separate statement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most outlets attribute the withdrawal solely to the post-viral illness, The Independent and GB News mention a right-hand injury as an additional factor. No source provides a definitive timeline for her return, and Raducanu has not confirmed participation in any specific lead-up event to Roland-Garros.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I need to obviously be aggressive when playing those players, but I think there's still a long way to go to be doing that, and I need to use my strengths and probably mix it up a bit more.” — Emma Raducanu, post-match interview, Indian Wells
- “I had six weeks almost of doing nothing just trying to recover from the virus, and it takes a lot out of you physically.” — Emma Raducanu, BBC Sport interview, May 2026
- “It's been a long few weeks since I last competed. I've made good progress, good gains in the last few weeks. I'm feeling really positive about where I'm heading and how I'm playing, what I'm doing on the court each day. I feel motivated and feel good to go. That's a real win for me!” — Emma Raducanu, Sky Sports interview, Rome
- “Right now, it's about trying to get up to speed in terms of physically, playing points again.” — Emma Raducanu, Sky Sports interview, Rome
- “I'm feeling in a better place - not 100% - and I feel like I have got a great purpose and a way about how I am approaching things right now.” — Emma Raducanu, BBC Sport interview, May 2026
What’s Next
Raducanu has indicated she will return “when 100 % ready.” Potential warm-up events before Roland-Garros include the Internationaux de Strasbourg (17-23 May) or the Rabat Grand Prix (18-23 May), though no official entry has been confirmed. The British No. 1’s health trajectory will remain a focal point for upcoming WTA tournaments.
