The British star faces a race against time after pulling out of the Italian Open

Emma Raducanu has suffered another devastating setback after withdrawing from the Italian Open, intensifying doubts over whether she will be fit enough to compete at the French Open later this month.

The 2021 US Open champion had travelled to Rome hoping to return to competitive action after spending nearly two months away from the tour. Instead, her appearance ended abruptly before it truly began, with her withdrawal coming only 30 minutes after she gave a press conference that offered little indication she was preparing to pull out.

The sudden decision has reignited concerns surrounding Raducanu’s ongoing fitness struggles, which continue to overshadow her career. The 23-year-old revealed she has been battling a lingering post-viral illness that has drained her energy and prevented her from sustaining the physical intensity required for top-level matches.

“Post-viral, it’s quite hard, you feel drained, you feel tired, no energy,” Raducanu explained before her withdrawal. She admitted she still does not feel fully recovered and said maintaining a high level throughout an entire match has become extremely difficult.

Her withdrawal from Rome has left her desperately racing against time ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros. After the Italian Open concludes, only one week remains on the WTA calendar before the second Grand Slam of the year begins. Raducanu is reportedly hoping for a late wildcard into the Strasbourg tournament as she searches for match fitness before Paris.

The latest setback has only deepened frustration around a career repeatedly interrupted by injuries and illness. Since turning professional, Raducanu has endured an almost relentless cycle of physical problems that have repeatedly halted momentum just as signs of progress begin to emerge.

This season appeared to offer hope that stability had finally arrived. For the first time in her career, Raducanu had managed to build a relatively consistent run of matches and performances. Although she continued struggling against elite opponents, she had shown improvement by regularly defeating players ranked below her and building rhythm on tour.

That progress has now been thrown into serious doubt. Her current illness followed a foot injury that disrupted most of her off-season preparations. According to reports, she was still limited to static feeding drills only days before her first match of the year.

Since signing a lucrative sponsorship agreement with sportswear giant Uniqlo, Raducanu has played only two matches at Indian Wells. The lack of competitive action has increased questions over whether she can physically withstand the demands of a full tennis calendar.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition, Raducanu recently insisted she no longer sees the clay-court season merely as preparation for grass tournaments. In previous years, clay had been viewed as her weakest surface, and in 2024, she controversially skipped much of the clay campaign altogether. This year, however, she spoke positively about the benefits of playing on clay, describing it as important for her long-term development and physical growth as a player.

Still, optimism surrounding her future has again been replaced by concern. Fans hoping to see Raducanu rebuild momentum before Wimbledon are now left waiting for clarity on whether she can even take to the court in Paris.

The repeated interruptions to her career have created a growing sense of uncertainty around one of Britain’s most high-profile athletes. Every comeback appears to be followed by another physical setback, leaving supporters questioning when or if Raducanu will finally enjoy a sustained period free from injury and illness.

For now, the former US Open champion faces another painful recovery period while her French Open hopes hang in the balance.