Emma Raducanu pulls out of Italian Open just 30 minutes after her press conference
British No.1 Emma Raducanu has pulled out of another tournament just minutes after taking part in a press conference about the event.
Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open, has already missed several tournaments this year because of a virus and its after-effects. She hasn’t played a competitive match since March 8 at Indian Wells and has also withdrawn from the Miami Open, Linz, and Madrid events due to ongoing symptoms.
The 23-year-old looked ready to make a comeback at the Italian Open in Rome this week, especially after being seen practicing over the weekend. She even appeared positive and hopeful during Tuesday’s press conference.
Talking about the last few months, Raducanu said: “The first couple of months were tough. I wasn’t feeling great physically and it felt like it just stuck around. But in the last three weeks, I’ve really started to feel better. That’s a big positive for me. I feel great on the court and every day I’m working towards something. The break has helped me stay motivated, hungry, and happy to be training hard.”
However, less than 30 minutes after the press conference, tournament officials confirmed she had withdrawn from the tournament. It seems she attended the conference to avoid a $15,000 fine since players must do at least one post-withdrawal activity, like a media appearance, to meet WTA and ATP Tour rules.
It’s still not clear if Raducanu will play in the upcoming WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat before the French Open later this month. She’s already had a tough year, dealing with a foot injury before getting sick.
Speaking about the mental challenges she’s faced, she added: “It’s been draining mentally at times. When you have things going on every day, it stays in your head. But now, physically, I feel very good. I don’t have any injuries bothering me, and I’m able to have good days on court. I feel like I’m approaching each shot with a clear purpose and I have lots of energy and motivation.”