Following her last competitive appearance at Indian Wells on March 8, Raducanu has been absent from the Miami Open and clay tournaments in Linz and Madrid, attributed to symptoms she experienced after a viral illness.
Nevertheless, the young athlete, aged 23, has been engaged in practice sessions over the past few weeks, training at London’s National Tennis Centre and the Ferrer Academy situated close to Benidorm.
Her time in Rome saw her supported by Jane O’Donoghue, identified as both a companion and a former national coach for the LTA, along with physiotherapist Emma Stewart, whose noticeable presence during Raducanu’s media engagements was noteworthy.
Raducanu conveyed her perspective, stating, “Transitioning to clay surfaces demands considerably more physical exertion compared to other court types, yet my aim is to return fully prepared.”
She further added, “I have been gradually progressing and eagerly anticipate my return to competition.”
It is now confirmed that she will not be participating in the Rome tournament this week.
Before the French Open commences, Raducanu has a final opportunity to compete in a WTA event, with possibilities lying in either Strasbourg or Rabat within the next fortnight.
Should she withdraw from the entirety of the clay-court season, her period of absence would extend to three months by the commencement of the grass-court schedule.
Should Raducanu regain fitness sufficiently to participate in Roland Garros, slated to start on May 24, her entry into the tournament will be without a seeding.
The victor of the 2021 US Open currently holds the 30th position globally; however, with only 32 athletes receiving seeds, her ranking is set to decline significantly as she cannot retain the points acquired from reaching the fourth round in Rome during the previous year.
