Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of a post-viral illness in the latest setback for the British tennis star.
The 23-year-old’s decision to pull out of the event in Rome came just 30 minutes after she conducted her pre-tournament media duties, where she said she had ‘turned a corner’ and was ‘very happy and hungry’ to be back
Raducanu, who has not played since March 8 because of the virus, had been training and was involved in practice matches in the Italian capital this week.
The British No 1 said she was feeling ‘great’ on the court when she spoke to the press and gave little indication that she was about to pull out.
‘Last two months, in the beginning, it was quite difficult,’ she said. ‘Wasn’t feeling the best physically. And I think it had just been lingering for a while. Whereas the last three weeks, I think I’ve really turned a corner and I feel so much better.
‘And that’s a really positive thing for me. I feel great on the court. I feel like every day I’m working towards something. The break has helped me feel really motivated coming back, very hungry and happy to be out here training and putting out great sessions every day.
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open in Rome in another setback for the star
‘Coming on to the clay courts is much more physically demanding than potentially other surfaces but I want to come back 100% ready.
‘I have been building my way up slowly and looking forward to when I get out there.’
But a tournament supervisor confirmed at 7pm that she had withdrawn, raising further doubt over her participation at the French Open in Paris later this month.
Media duties are obligatory for players on the WTA Tour, even if they withdraw, and Raducanu faced a fine of up to $15,000 (£11,000) if she refused to do so.
Raducanu had to pull out of the Linz Open and the Madrid Open this month amid her struggles to recover from the viral illness.
She also missed the Miami Open in March after picking up the illness following her run to the Transylvania Open final in February.
WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat in two weeks are Raducanu’s last opportunities to get back onto court before Roland-Garros, which begins on May 24.
