Raducanu pulls out of another tournament after illness

Emma Raducanu has played six tournaments this season, winning seven of her 14 matches Emma Raducanu has delayed the start of her clay-court season as she continues her recovery from a viral illness, according to her representatives. The British number one was due to play at the Linz Open in Austria next week, but BBC Sport was told on Wednesday she has withdrawn from the WTA 500 event. It is understood Raducanu, 23, wants to focus on making a full recovery before returning to competitive action on the clay.

The world number 28 started feeling unwell while playing during February's Middle East hard-court swing. She competed in Indian Wells last month, but then decided to skip Miami. It has led to another period of uncertainty for Raducanu.

Her career has been littered with injury and physical issues since winning the Grand Slam title in New York as a teenage qualifier. Last season she made encouraging strides, completing a half-century of matches in a season for the first time. But it has been another stuttered start this year.

The opening three months have seen a familiar mix: signs of progress, chastening defeats, a coaching change and disruption caused by her health. Raducanu has played six tournaments this season, winning seven of her 14 matches. Four of those wins came in a run to the Transylvania Open final, where she was aiming for a first title since her shock US Open triumph in 2021.