Emma Raducanu was among the first to pass through the imposing gates of the Foro Italico this year. She arrived in Rome ahead of schedule, keen to assess her fitness and readiness for elite competition during a series of practice sessions on the tournament’s heavy red‑clay courts. As the clock ticked on and her scheduled Thursday opener loomed, it appeared she would make her return after a two‑month layoff. Instead, her time away from the court will stretch beyond two months.
Raducanu’s situation is seldom straightforward, highlighted by the manner of her withdrawal in Rome – announced just half an hour after a press conference in which she gave little hint of her plans. The preceding months have been rife with speculation about her health, making her Rome appearance a chance to shed light on her recent struggles. Yet the way she exited only deepened the uncertainty.
She did describe the post‑viral condition that has hampered her for two months. “I tried to push through a virus for much of February, but by March the symptoms had not gone away,” she explained. “Post‑viral it’s tough – you feel drained, you lack energy, it’s hard and it lingered for a while.” She added, “Right now I wouldn’t say I’m at 100 %. I’m still building back. Even if my tennis level is high, maintaining it through a full match remains difficult.”
On Tuesday she was also asked whether she had considered skipping the clay‑court season and moving straight to grass, a choice she controversially made in 2024. Her view on clay, her least‑favoured surface, has shifted: “I’m not solely focused on grass because I know each week on clay will help me down the road, both short‑ and long‑term. It aids game and physical development, works the legs differently, and builds loading strength. I believe spending time on clay benefits me as a player.”
The clay season is nearing its close. The Italian Open heralds the imminent arrival of Roland Garros. After two weeks in Rome, only one WTA week remains before the French Open. Raducanu hopes for a late wildcard at the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, but time is short as she works to be fit enough for the year’s second major.
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