Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of a post-viral illness, marking the latest setback for the British tennis star. The 23-year-old made the decision to pull out of the event in Rome just 30 minutes after she conducted her pre-tournament media duties, where she had stated she had 'turned a corner' and was 'very happy and hungry' to return.
Raducanu, who has not played since March 8 due to the virus, had been training and participating in practice matches in the Italian capital this week. The British No 1 expressed feeling 'great' on the court during her press conference and gave little indication that she was about to withdraw.
'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.'
'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.'
However, a tournament supervisor confirmed at 7pm that she had withdrawn, raising further doubt over her participation at the French Open in Paris later this month.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 mandatory 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 comply.
Raducanu had previously pulled 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 contracting 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.
