- Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness, marking another setback in her disrupted season.
- The British No 1 has not played since Indian Wells in March and has yet to compete on clay this season, with the French Open just weeks away.
- A hand injury also contributed to her decision to pull out of the Mutua Madrid Open last week, further impacting her preparation for the clay-court season.
- Her absence is significant given the strong field at the Italian Open, which is the last WTA 1000 event before Roland-Garros and features all of the WTA’s top 20 players.
- In the men’s draw, British No 1 Cameron Norrie has a bye to the second round, while Jack Draper is out for the remainder of the clay season due to ongoing injuries.
IN FULL
