Emma Raducanu Withdraws From Madrid Open, Extending WTA Absence

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British tennis star Emma Raducanu will miss the upcoming Madrid Open as she continues her recovery from injury, extending her absence from the WTA Tour by at least two more weeks. The 21-year-old former US Open champion announced her withdrawal from the clay-court tournament on April 19, 2026, citing the need for additional time to rehabilitate a persistent physical issue that has kept her off the circuit since early spring.

Why it matters

Raducanu's absence from the Madrid Open, a key clay-court event in the lead-up to the French Open, means she will likely not return to competition until at least mid-May. This extended break is a strategic recalibration for the young star as she aims to build a sustainable foundation for the remainder of the season and beyond, rather than rushing back from injury.

The details

Raducanu has not competed since retiring mid-match at the Miami Open in late March due to what her team described as a lower-body strain. Subsequent evaluations indicated the injury required a more conservative approach to avoid long-term complications, leading to her earlier withdrawal from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and the Stuttgart Open. Her decision to skip Madrid follows medical advice aimed at ensuring a full return to fitness before resuming tournament play.

• Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the Madrid Open on April 19, 2026.
• She last competed at the Miami Open in late March 2026, where she retired mid-match due to injury.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Raducanu's team has not disclosed a definitive return date, but confirmed that any comeback will depend on medical clearance and match readiness rather than a fixed timeline. Her potential targets for a return to competition include the Italian Open in Rome or a wildcard entry into a WTA 500 event in mid-May.