Emma Raducanu has pulled out of next week’s Madrid Open, extending a string of absences that includes Miami and Linz as she focuses on full fitness after a post‑viral illness contracted in Romania. The British No.1, hoping to be match‑fit for the upcoming clay swing in Rome, also sat out Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie versus Australia.

Her last tour match came at Indian Wells on March 8, where a 6‑1 6‑1 defeat to Amanda Anisimova exposed a loss of power she herself admitted. Since parting ways with coach Francisco Roig in January, Raducanu has been training informally with Mark Petchey, hoping to rebuild confidence. She also skipped the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier, reinforcing her decision to limit travel and competition.

The next opportunity arrives at the Italian Open in Rome on May 5, followed by events in Strasbourg and Rabat. Raducanu joins a growing list of top names—Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Sonay Kartal and Barbora Krejcikova—who have also withdrawn, highlighting the depleted draw. Without her, the British camp loses its top seed on clay, shifting expectations for the season.