Emma Raducanu has announced that she will not compete in next week’s Madrid Open as she continues her journey back to full health. The British No.
1 has also withdrawn from the WTA events in Miami and Linz, choosing to focus on a comprehensive rehabilitation program after battling lingering post‑viral symptoms that followed an illness she contracted in Romania in early February. In addition to skipping those tournaments, Raducanu elected to sit out Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Australia, underscoring how seriously she is taking her recovery. Sources close to the player say she has recently returned to light training sessions and is optimistic about the possibility of appearing at the Italian Open in Rome, which kicks off in early May. The 23‑year‑old’s most recent match came at Indian Wells, where she reached the third round before falling 6‑1, 6‑1 to Amanda Anisimova on March 8.
After the loss, 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 during the post‑match interview. Since parting ways with her former coach Francisco Roig in January, the 2021 US Open champion has been working on an informal basis with former British player and coach Mark Petchey.
Their collaboration is intended to fine‑tune Raducanu’s technical game and mental approach while she rebuilds her physical foundation. The decision to pull out of Madrid places Raducanu among a growing list of high‑profile withdrawals at the tournament. Other notable names who have also opted out include world No.
2 Carlos Alcaraz, multiple Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, American star Taylor Fritz, rising Turkish talent Sonay Kartal, and Czech powerhouse Barbora Krejčíková. Their absences have reshaped the field and opened opportunities for lower‑ranked players to make deeper runs. Looking ahead, Raducanu’s next chance to test her clay‑court credentials will arrive at the Italian Open in Rome, scheduled to begin on May 5. The tournament serves as a key preparation event for the French Open, and a strong showing there could provide a confidence boost before the season’s second Grand Slam.
Following Rome, she is expected to compete in the WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat, both of which are part of the build‑up to Roland Garros. While the immediate focus remains on health, Raducanu’s team is also mindful of the broader calendar.
The player’s management has indicated that a gradual return to competition, rather than a rushed comeback, will better serve her long‑term ambitions. In recent weeks, she has been monitored by a multidisciplinary medical team that includes physiotherapists, nutritionists, and sports psychologists, all working together to ensure a balanced recovery. Fans can continue to follow Raducanu’s progress through various media channels. Live coverage of the ATP and WTA tours is available on Sky Sports, and the matches can also be streamed via NOW or the Sky Sports app.
For those interested in deeper analysis, Sky Sports regularly publishes tennis scores, results, upcoming match previews, and video highlights that capture the most compelling moments from each event. In summary, Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the Madrid Open reflects a prudent approach to her health after a challenging period of illness and recovery. By prioritising rehabilitation, she aims to return stronger and more competitive for the upcoming clay season, starting with the Italian Open in Rome.
Her decision aligns with a broader trend of top players opting for rest and careful preparation ahead of the demanding stretch of tournaments that lead up to the French Open. The tennis community will be watching closely as she regains her form and prepares to re‑enter the spotlight on the European clay circuit.