Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Italian Open Due to Post-Viral Illness, Raising Doubts Over French Open Participation British tennis star Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open in Rome due to a lingering post-viral illness, raising concerns about her readiness for the French Open. Despite expressing optimism about her recovery, Raducanu's withdrawal marks another setback in her season, following earlier pullouts from other tournaments. The 23-year-old remains hopeful but faces limited opportunities to regain match fitness before Roland-Garros. Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness, marking another setback for the British tennis sensation. The 23-year-old made the decision to pull out of the Rome tournament just 30 minutes after completing her pre-tournament media obligations, where she had expressed optimism about her recovery. Raducanu, who has not competed since March 8 due to the virus, had been training and participating in practice matches in the Italian capital this week. Despite her positive remarks to the press, where she stated she was feeling 'great' on the court, she ultimately decided to withdraw.'The last two months were quite difficult,' she admitted. 'I wasn't feeling the best physically, and it had been lingering for a while. But over the last three weeks, I've really turned a corner and feel so much better. That's a really positive thing for me.I feel great on the court and motivated every day.' Raducanu acknowledged the physical demands of clay courts, emphasizing her desire to return fully prepared. 'I have been building my way up slowly and looking forward to when I get out there,' she said.However, a tournament supervisor confirmed her withdrawal at 7pm, casting doubt on her participation in the upcoming French Open in Paris. Players on the WTA Tour are required to fulfill media duties even if they withdraw, and Raducanu risked a fine of up to $15,000 if she had refused. This withdrawal follows her earlier pullouts from the Linz Open and the Madrid Open this month, as she continues to recover from the viral illness.She also missed the Miami Open in March after contracting the illness following her run to the Transylvania Open final in February. With the French Open beginning on May 24, Raducanu's remaining opportunities to compete before Roland-Garros are the WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat in two weeks