Raducanu Withdraws from Madrid Open, Extends Return on Clay
Raducanu Withdraws from Madrid Open, Extends Return on Clay
Emma Raducanu pulls out of the Madrid Open, keeping her clay comeback on hold as she recovers from back and hand issues, eyeing a return in Rome.
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Madrid Open, extending her absence from the WTA Tour by at least two weeks. The decision comes as she continues to manage a back issue that first flared during the clay swing, and after past operations on her hands and left ankle. After a promising start to the 2024 indoor clay season and a solid Billie Jean King Cup showing for Great Britain, Raducanu has not played since early March.
Her Madrid setback follows a notable Madrid result last year, where she suffered a heavy first-round defeat to qualifier Maria Lourdes Carle. Since then, injuries and mental and emotional exhaustion have contributed to a lengthy layoff, with her camp prioritising recovery and fitness to support a stronger return on the clay.
Her next opportunity to compete on clay is the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 5. The clay-court swing then rolls on with Strasbourg and Rabat the week before the French Open, giving Raducanu a window to rebuild match rhythm ahead of Roland Garros.
