Emma Raducanu's absence from the tennis courts will extend to more than two months after her late withdrawal from the Italian Open, casting significant doubt over her chances of competing at the French Open. The British star had arrived in Rome early, eager to test her health and readiness for top-level competition through training sessions on the heavy red clay courts. However, instead of making her first appearance in two months, she pulled out just 30 minutes after a press conference where she gave little indication of her intention.
Sudden Withdrawal Raises Questions
Things are rarely straightforward with Raducanu, and the nature of her exit in Rome has only generated further questions. During the press conference, she explained the nature of her post-viral illness, which has affected her for two months. She had tried to push through a virus in February, but symptoms persisted into March. "Post-viral, it's quite hard, you feel drained, you feel tired, no energy, it's difficult and it lingered for quite a while," she said. "Right now I wouldn't say I'm 100%. I'm still building my way back."
Clay Court Season Nearly Over
With the clay-court season winding down, Raducanu is running out of time to prepare for Roland Garros. She is hoping to receive a late wildcard for the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, but her health remains a concern. Despite her struggles, she has evolved her outlook on clay, her least favourite surface. "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 said.
Also in Rome, British No. 3 Katie Boulter was defeated in the first round by Eva Lys, going down 4-6, 6-3, 4-6 after two hours and 24 minutes. Boulter's mixed clay-court campaign continues after a last-eight showing in Rouen and a second-round exit in Madrid.
Recurring Injury Cycle
The central issue in Raducanu's career remains unchanged: a banal cycle of injuries, illnesses, and physical ailments since her breakthrough. This season has been particularly miserable after a consistent run of matches in 2025. Five months into 2026, her positive progress feels like a lifetime ago. A foot injury sidelined her for most of the off-season, and a three-month struggle with a virus followed. Since signing a lucrative contract with Uniqlo, she has contested only two matches in Indian Wells. She now looks to Strasbourg, hoping to stay on the court for the foreseeable future.
