Raducanu withdraws from Rome with post-viral symptoms

Britain’s Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of the post-viral illness that has kept her off the WTA Tour for two months.

The British number one had been practicing in Rome since Saturday and spoke to the media just 30 minutes before formally pulling out.

According to the WTA rulebook, players have to fulfil media duties on site even if they withdraw and can be fined if they fail to do so.

There was, however, no clear indication Raducanu was about to abandon her comeback, although she did say she wants to return when “100 per cent ready”.

“I feel really good right now in terms of where I am headed,” Raducanu told BBC Sport before her withdrawal was announced.

“I think I have put a lot of good work in the last three weeks, but it’s relatively early on in my return.

“I had six weeks almost of doing nothing just trying to recover from the virus, and it takes a lot out of you physically.

“I’m feeling in a better place not 100 per cent and I feel like I have got a great purpose and a way about how I am approaching things right now.”-BBC

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