Emma Raducanu’s shock withdrawal from the Italian Open nearly got here at a good larger value.
Emma Raducanu nearly suffered an £11,000 penalty throughout her Italian Open withdrawal (Picture: Getty) This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
British No. 1 Emma Raducanu risked a hefty penalty had she not held a press convention simply previous to her withdrawal from the 2026 Italian Open. On-site withdrawal guidelines imply the specter of an £11,000 positive might effectively have performed a component in her choice to undertake interviews regardless of understanding she was about to tug out of the event.
Tennis followers have been left scratching their heads after Raducanu’s withdrawal due to post-viral sickness, lower than half-hour after she appeared optimistic in her pre-tournament media duties. Raducanu, 23, has practised in Rome since Saturday and appeared cheery whereas conducting interviews, so it was a shock to many when it was confirmed she wouldn’t be participating mere minutes after telling BBC Sport she “felt actually good” on the eve of her event.
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Associated articles
Emma Raducanu withdraws from Italian Open simply minutes after press convention
Emma Raducanu handed model new French Open drawback as Brit takes huge tumble
Sky Sports activities, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Final TV package deal £44 View Deal
Sky has upgraded its Final TV and Sky Sports activities bundle to now embrace HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, in addition to 135 channels and full Sky protection of the Premier League and EFL.
However it has emerged that Raducanu saved herself a five-figure sum by entering into entrance of the media regardless of her intentions. Each WTA and ATP stars are required to take part in a minimum of one post-withdrawal exercise, akin to an interview or press convention. Failing to take action will end in a $15,000 (£11,000) positive for breaching the WTA’s (or ATP’s) on-site withdrawal guidelines.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the perfect sports activities information and rather more on our Fb web page
Raducanu has now been lacking in motion for greater than two months. Her final aggressive look got here at Indian Wells in early March when she bowed out to Amanda Anisimova within the final 32.
One would have thought the Briton would have confirmed her withdrawal choice earlier than addressing that in her media rounds. It’s this facet of her exit in Italy that has led to confusion.
Raducanu’s final aggressive look got here at Indian Wells again in March (Picture: Getty)
That being stated, there was nonetheless a way of hesitation amongst Raducanu’s optimism this week. She instructed BBC Sport: “I believe I’ve put quite a lot of good work within the final three weeks, but it surely’s comparatively early on in my return.
“I had six weeks nearly of doing nothing simply attempting to recuperate from the virus, and it takes quite a bit out of you bodily. I am feeling in a greater place – not 100 per cent – and I really feel like I’ve bought an ideal goal and a method about how I’m approaching issues proper now.”
There’s lower than a fortnight to go earlier than the 2026 French Open will get underway at Roland Garros on Could 18. From there, it’s solely a hop and a skip earlier than Raducanu’s house Grand Slam returns at Wimbledon.
After such an extended absence from the courtroom, she might must be considerably ruthless in her return techniques with a view to keep away from burnout. Nevertheless, she’s clearly operating a cautious path with a view to give herself the perfect probability of success when the celebrities do align.
Leave a Reply