Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Madrid Open as Tennis Absence Continues
Emma Raducanu has once again delayed the start of her clay-court season after withdrawing from the Madrid Open, marking her third consecutive tournament absence. The British No. 1 has not played since Indian Wells in early March, citing post-viral symptoms, and she is still working to recover her full fitness.
Raducanu's Recent Tournament Withdrawals
Raducanu did not compete at the Miami Open and pulled out of the Linz Open in Austria, which was scheduled to be her first event on clay this season. Her last match was a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells, and she has a 7-7 record in all events in 2026.
Impact on Clay-Court Season and Roland Garros Preparations
Last season, Raducanu reached the second round of the Madrid Open before advancing to the fourth round of the Italian Open in Rome. She lost in the second round of last year's French Open to defending champion Iga Swiatek. This year, her preparations for Roland Garros may not begin until the Italian Open in two weeks, raising concerns about her readiness for the major tournament.
Other Players Withdrawing from Madrid Open
Jack Draper is also a doubt for the Madrid Open after retiring from his match in Barcelona last week with a knee injury. Draper reached the final of the Madrid Open last season, losing to former French Open champion Casper Ruud. Additionally, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have pulled out of the Madrid Open, which starts on Tuesday in the Spanish capital.
Raducanu's Ongoing Fitness Challenges
The former US Open champion continues to grapple with post-viral symptoms, which have hampered her ability to compete. Her absence from multiple tournaments underscores the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak fitness, particularly after illness. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring her recovery, hoping for a swift return to form as the clay-court season progresses.
