Raducanu withdraws from Rome with post viral symptoms

Emma Raducanu has not played on the WTA Tour since 8 March [Getty Images]

Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of the post-viral illness that has kept her off the WTA Tour for two months.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 practising 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% 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% - and I feel like I have got a great purpose and a way about how I am approaching things right now."

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Raducanu last played a match in Indian Wells on 8y March, and has since missed the Miami Open and clay court events in Linz and Madrid because of her post-viral symptoms.

However, the 23-year-old has been practising in recent weeks at the National Tennis Centre in London and at the Ferrer Academy near Benidorm.

She had been accompanied in Rome by Jane O'Donoghue, a friend and former LTA national coach, and physio Emma Stewart, who perhaps tellingly was with Raducanu during her interviews.

"Coming on to the clay courts is much more physically demanding than potentially other surfaces but I want to come back 100% ready," Raducanu said.

"I have been building my way up slowly and looking forward to when I get out there."

We now know she will not be getting out there in Rome this week.