sports
Raducanu’s road leads from Rome to a French Open fitness race and questions beyond
Late withdrawal from Italian Open casts significant doubt over player’s chances of competing at Roland Garros
TL;DR
- Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Italian Open just 30 minutes before her scheduled match.
- She cited a post-viral illness that has caused fatigue and drained energy for two months.
- Raducanu aims to play on clay for game and physical development, despite it being her least favorite surface.
- Katie Boulter was also eliminated in the first round of the Rome Masters by Eva Lys.
- Raducanu is seeking a wildcard for the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg before the French Open.
- Her career has been marked by a cycle of injuries and illnesses.
- This season had shown positive progress for Raducanu before her recent health issues.
- A previous foot injury had also sidelined her for most of the off-season.