Emma Raducanu is aiming for a return to competitive play at the WTA event in Strasbourg later this month after her recent withdrawal from the Italian Open. The British number one has been sidelined for two months due to a post-viral illness and decided against returning in Rome, despite having traveled to Italy and practicing at the Foro Italico.

The timing of her withdrawal raised eyebrows, especially after Raducanu expressed optimism in a press conference, stating, “I think I’ve really turned a corner and I feel so much better. I feel great on the court.” This announcement sparked concerns that the 23-year-old might miss the French Open, starting on May 24, but sources indicate she is targeting a comeback at the Internationaux de Strasbourg the week prior.

Raducanu will require a wild card for the WTA 500 event, but she remains hopeful, having received a late invitation last year, where she achieved a victory over Daria Kasatkina before falling to Danielle Collins in the second round.

Her struggle with illness began in early February, leading to early exits at tournaments in the Middle East and Indian Wells before she stepped away from the tour. She had already withdrawn from the Miami, Linz, and Madrid tournaments prior to her announcement, resulting in limited clay-court preparation ahead of the year’s second grand slam.

Raducanu recently trained in Spain with Andrew Richardson, her former coach who led her to the US Open title in 2021, though this appears to have been a temporary arrangement. In Rome, she had Jane O’Donoghue, a coach she likens to a big sister, assisting her, as Raducanu opts to work without a full-time coach after her split from Francisco Roig post-Australian Open.

Discussing her physical challenges, she remarked, “Post-viral, it’s quite hard. You feel drained, you feel tired, no energy. It’s difficult, and it lingered for quite a while.” Although she is not yet at 100%, Raducanu is focused on building her fitness and performance ahead of her anticipated return.