Emma Raducanu is set to return to competitive tennis after a two-month absence at this month's Italian Open in Rome, but the British star has been handed a daunting draw. Her last appearance came at Indian Wells in early March, and she subsequently withdrew from the Madrid Open due to a right hand injury, missing the entire clay court swing so far.
Raducanu's Path in Rome
Raducanu receives a bye into the second round, where she will face either Sierra Solana or a qualifier. However, the road becomes significantly tougher thereafter. The 2021 US Open champion is projected to meet reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the third round. Should she advance, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka looms on the same half of the draw, while Mirra Andreeva is the highest-ranked potential quarter-final opponent.
The 23-year-old enjoyed her best run at the Italian Open last year, reaching the fourth round before losing to Gauff.
Men's Draw Highlights
On the men's side, world No.1 Jannik Sinner enters the tournament fresh from an impressive Madrid Open triumph, dropping just one set. He has never won his home championship and will begin against Sebastian Ofner or Alex Michelsen in round two. Novak Djokovic is also returning to clay for the first time since Indian Wells, placed on the opposite half of the draw to Sinner, meaning they can only meet in the final. Djokovic will face either Marton Fucsovics or a qualifier in his opening match.
British No.1 Jack Draper is once again absent, having played only one clay match this year. He is aiming to return for the grass season but has already confirmed he will miss the French Open.
