Emma Raducanu is targeting a return to action at the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg later this month after her abrupt withdrawal from the Italian Open. The British No. 1 has been sidelined by lingering post-viral symptoms and also missed tournaments in Miami, Linz, and Madrid. Raducanu had hoped to make a comeback in Rome, traveling to Italy over the weekend and practicing on site.
Withdrawal After Media Duties
The world No. 30 announced her withdrawal on Tuesday afternoon, less than an hour after completing her pre-tournament media obligations and discussing her return to the court. While Raducanu wasn't ready to compete at the Italian Open, she is now hoping to enter the Internationaux de Strasbourg, which begins on 17 May. She will need a wildcard to enter the field.
Previous Strasbourg Success
Raducanu played Strasbourg as a wildcard in 2025, defeating Daria Kasatkina before falling to Danielle Collins in the second round. The British No. 1 would then head to Paris for the French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Positive Outlook Despite Illness
Shortly before pulling out of the Italian Open, Raducanu opened up on the effects of the post-viral illness that kept her off court and sounded positive about her tennis again. "Last two months, in the beginning, it was quite difficult. 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," the 23-year-old said. "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."
Limited Clay Schedule
Raducanu has not played a match since March 8 and looks set to play just two tournaments on the clay this year: Strasbourg and the French Open. However, she did not want to skip the dirt and go straight to grass. "I think playing on the clay, getting any time on the clay for me, I'm not necessarily thinking everything for the grass. Because I know in the years to come, every time, every week that I get on the clay courts, it's going to help me for the future and longer term," she explained while in Rome.
Coaching and Support Team
Raducanu also enjoyed a short training stint with Andrew Richardson, the coach who was in her corner during her 2021 US Open victory, at the Ferrer Academy in Spain last week. However, she has no intention of bringing him back into her set-up on a permanent basis. She was joined in Rome by close friend Jane O'Donoghue and is also working alongside hitting partner Alexis Canter and physiotherapist Emma Stewart.
Ranking Implications
By withdrawing from the Italian Open, Raducanu will fall outside the world's top 30 and could miss out on being seeded at the French Open, where she would risk drawing a top-ranked opponent in the opening rounds. However, a wildcard entry at Strasbourg could offer her the chance to claw back some of those lost points.
