The hopes of Emma Raducanu fans were dashed today as the British tennis sensation announced her withdrawal from the 2026 Italian Open, stemming from a persistent post-viral illness that has kept her off the court for the past two months.
In a statement released shortly after fulfilling her pre-tournament media obligations, Raducanu expressed her commitment to returning to competition only when she is “100% ready.”
This latest setback continues a challenging period for the young athlete, who hasn’t played since the Indian Wells tournament in March. Her absence has not only affected her ranking but also raised concerns about her readiness for the French Open, which looms on the horizon.
Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from several prestigious events since March, including tournaments in Miami, Linz, and Madrid, as she focuses on her recovery and physical fitness.