Emma Raducanu Pulls Out of Madrid Open Due to Ongoing Fitness Issues

Emma Raducanu has taken the decision to withdraw from the Madrid Open, scheduled for next week, as she focuses on regaining full fitness. This move follows her earlier withdrawals from the WTA Tour events in Miami and Linz. Raducanu, the British No 1, is prioritizing her rehabilitation after experiencing post-viral symptoms stemming from an illness she contracted in Romania in early February. She also opted not to participate in Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Australia. Currently back in training, Raducanu is hopeful of competing in the Rome tournament at the start of May. Her last match was on March 8 at Indian Wells, where she lost to Amanda Anisimova. Raducanu acknowledged feeling a lack of power in that match and recognizes the need to adopt a more aggressive playing style. Since parting ways with coach Francisco Roig in January, Raducanu has been informally working with Mark Petchey as she strives to regain her form. Her next opportunity to compete on clay will be at the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5, followed by tournaments in Strasbourg and Rabat leading up to the French Open. Raducanu joins a list of high-profile players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Sonay Kartal, and Barbora Krejcikova, who have also withdrawn from the Madrid Open.