Emma Raducanu announced that she will not compete in the upcoming Madrid Open, a decision that reflects her ongoing effort to regain full physical health. The British No.
1 has already withdrawn from several recent WTA events, including the tournaments in Miami and Linz, choosing instead to focus on a thorough rehabilitation program after battling lingering post‑viral symptoms. These symptoms stem from an illness she contracted while in Romania in early February, which has forced her to take a cautious approach to her return to competition. In addition to skipping the Madrid Open, Raducanu also opted out of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Australia, underscoring the priority she places on recovery over short‑term match play.
Sources close to the player say she has resumed light training sessions and is optimistic about the possibility of stepping onto the court in Rome for the Italian Open, scheduled to begin in early May. The 23‑year‑old’s most recent match appearance came at Indian Wells, where she reached the third round before being dispatched 6‑1, 6‑1 by Amanda Anisimova on March 8. After the loss, Raducanu was candid about her performance, attributing the one‑sided scoreline partly to a noticeable drop in power.
"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. Her remarks highlighted a desire to blend aggression with strategic variety, a balance she believes is essential for competing at the highest level. Raducanu’s coaching situation has also shifted in recent months.
After parting ways with her longtime mentor Francisco Roig in January, the 2021 US Open champion has been working informally with former British player and coach Mark Petchey. Their collaboration is focused on rebuilding her physical foundation, fine‑tuning technical elements, and restoring the confidence that propelled her to Grand Slam success. While the partnership remains unofficial, both parties have expressed optimism that the tailored training plan will accelerate her return to form.
The broader tennis calendar offers several opportunities for Raducanu to test her fitness on clay. Following the Italian Open, which kicks off in Rome on May 5, she could appear in the smaller events in Strasbourg and Rabat, both of which serve as preparatory stops before the French Open.
These tournaments provide a less intense competitive environment, allowing her to gauge her stamina and adapt her game to the slower surface without the pressure of a Premier‑level event. Raducanu’s withdrawal adds her name to a growing list of high‑profile players who have pulled out of the Madrid Open this year. Notable absentees include Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Sonay Kartal, and Barbora Krejčíková, each citing various personal or health‑related reasons for skipping the event. Their collective absence has reshaped the tournament’s field, opening doors for lower‑ranked competitors to make deeper runs.
Fans seeking to follow Raducanu’s progress can stay updated through Sky Sports’ streaming platform NOW, which offers contract‑free live coverage of ATP and WTA matches. The Sky Sports app also provides real‑time scores, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis, ensuring that supporters can keep track of her rehabilitation milestones and eventual return to competition. For those interested in a broader view of the tennis season, Sky Sports delivers comprehensive coverage of upcoming matches, player interviews, and expert commentary, all accessible via the app or the NOW streaming service.
In summary, Emma Raducanu’s decision to sit out the Madrid Open is a strategic move aimed at safeguarding her long‑term health and performance. By prioritizing a measured recovery, resuming training under the guidance of Mark Petchey, and targeting a gradual re‑entry into the clay‑court season, she hopes to rebuild the power and aggression that have defined her game.
While the immediate absence may disappoint fans, the extended timeline offers her the chance to return stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges of the upcoming French Open and beyond.