Emma Raducanu announced that she will not take part in next week’s Madrid Open as she continues her quest to regain full health. The British world No.1 has already withdrawn from the WTA events in Miami and Linz, choosing to focus on a careful rehabilitation after battling lingering post‑viral symptoms that followed an illness she contracted in Romania in early February. In addition to skipping the Madrid tournament, Raducanu also sat out Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie against Australia, signalling that her priority remains a complete recovery rather than a rushed return to competition. According to sources close to the player, Raducanu has recently resumed light training sessions and is optimistic about the possibility of appearing on the red clay in Rome when the Italian Open kicks off in early May.
The 23‑year‑old last appeared on the WTA Tour at Indian Wells, where she reached the third round on March 8 before being beaten 6‑1, 6‑1 by Amanda Anisimova. After that match, Raducanu was candid about her performance, noting that a noticeable drop in power had hampered her ability to compete at her usual level. “I need to obviously be aggressive when playing those players, but I think there’s still a long way to go to be doing that and I need to use my strengths and probably mix it up a bit more,” she explained in the post‑match interview. The British star’s recent coaching situation also adds a layer of complexity to her comeback.
She and longtime coach Francisco Roig officially ended their partnership in January. Since then, the 2021 US Open champion has been working on an informal basis with former British player and coach Mark Petchey, using his guidance to fine‑tune her game while she navigates the physical setbacks. The collaboration is still in its early stages, and both Raducanu and Petchey have emphasized the importance of patience as they rebuild her confidence and match fitness.
Raducanu’s next scheduled appearance on clay will be at the Italian Open in Rome, which begins on May 5. That tournament will be followed by a series of smaller events in Strasbourg and Rabat, providing her with a gradual build‑up to the French Open. The timing of these events is crucial for a player who has missed several weeks of competition; the additional match play on clay will help her adjust to the surface’s unique demands and regain the rhythm that has been missing from her schedule. Her withdrawal from Madrid adds her name to a growing list of high‑profile players who have pulled out of the event this year.
Among them are defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, multiple Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, American star Taylor Fritz, Turkish prospect Sonay Kartal, and Czech veteran Barbora Krejčíková. The string of absences highlights the physical toll that the demanding early‑season calendar can exact on even the sport’s elite athletes.
For fans eager to follow Raducanu’s progress, the Sky Sports platform offers a range of options. Live coverage of ATP and WTA matches can be streamed via the NOW service, while the Sky Sports app provides up‑to‑date news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis.
The app also features a dedicated tennis section where users can watch match replays, view detailed statistics, and stay informed about upcoming fixtures. Looking ahead, Raducanu’s primary goal remains clear: to return to the court fully healed and ready to compete at the highest level. While the decision to skip Madrid may disappoint some supporters, it underscores a mature approach to health management—one that prioritises long‑term success over short‑term gains.
As she continues her rehabilitation, the tennis world will be watching closely, hopeful that the British champion can soon translate her talent and determination back into winning performances on the tour.