Emma Raducanu withdraws from Italian Open just 30 minutes after press conference

British No.1 Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from another tournament just minutes after taking part in a press conference previewing the event.

Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open, has already pulled out of several tournaments this year due to a virus and its after-effects.

The Brit has not played a competitive match since featuring at Indian Wells on March 8 and has since withdrawn from the Miami Open, as well as the Linz and Madrid events, because of post-virus symptoms.

The 23-year-old appeared set to make a return at the Italian Open, which takes place in Rome this week, after being spotted practising in the Italian capital over the weekend.

She even took part in a press conference on Tuesday, appearing positive and hopeful for the tournament ahead.

Discussing the past few months, Raducanu said: “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 in 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 in great sessions every day.”

Raducanu pulls out of Italian Open

Less than 30 minutes after fulfilling her media obligations, tournament supervisors confirmed to the media that the Brit had, in fact, withdrawn from the tournament.

Raducanu likely attended the press conference to avoid a $15,000 fine, as players must take part in at least one post-withdrawal activity – such as media availability – to avoid the sanction, in line with WTA and ATP Tour rules.

It remains unclear if Raducanu, who has already seen her season disrupted by a foot injury before falling ill, will feature in the two other WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat ahead of the French Open later this month.

When speaking about the mental challenges she’s faced in 2026, she added: “Potentially [draining mentally].

“When you have things going on, every day you’re working at it, it’s something you have in your head, but now, in terms of body, injuries-wise, I feel very good. I don’t have anything that’s bothering me, and I’m just able to put out good days, and I feel like I’m approaching each day, shot with great purpose. I have a lot of energy and motivation inside of me.”