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Raducanu Withdraws from Italian Open, Plans Return at Strasbourg
The 23-year-old British player aims to compete at the Internationaux de Strasbourg the week before Roland Garros on May 24, requiring a wild card after a two-month absence due to post-viral illness. She pulled out of the Italian Open despite traveling to Rome and training at the Foro Italico. Raducanu said she has turned a corner but is not yet 100 percent fit.
May 6, 10:59 AM·2m read1 source
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Emma Raducanu has set her sights on the WTA event in Strasbourg as her return to competitive tennis following a two-month absence caused by a post-viral illness. The 23-year-old pulled out of the Italian Open despite having travelled to Rome and trained at the Foro Italico. The decision came shortly after she delivered an optimistic assessment to journalists.
"I think I've really turned a corner, and I feel so much better. I feel great on the court," Raducanu said. Her withdrawal will see her ranking drop below the top 32. She progressed to the fourth round at the Italian Open 12 months ago.
Raducanu is aiming for the Internationaux de Strasbourg the week before Roland Garros, which gets underway on May 24. She will require a wild card entry for the French event. Tournament organisers extended a late invitation to her last year, when she defeated Daria Kasatkina in the opening round before falling to Danielle Collins in the second.
Her struggles began in early February when she first fell ill. Raducanu continued competing despite falling ill in early February, resulting in disappointing early exits at tournaments in the Middle East and Indian Wells. She subsequently withdrew from events in Miami, Linz and Madrid, leaving her with minimal preparation on clay surfaces before the season's second grand slam.
Describing the challenges of her recovery, Raducanu explained the lingering effects. "Post-viral, it's quite hard. You feel drained, you feel tired, no energy. It's difficult, and it lingered for quite a while," she said.
"Right now, I wouldn't say I'm 100 per cent. I'm still building my way back. " She added context about her recent practice. " During her time in Rome, Raducanu was accompanied by Jane O'Donoghue, whom she regards as being like a big sister.
