Emma Raducanu is one of tennis’ most curious cases that few can seem to figure out.
After all, on one hand, she is a former Grand Slam champion who achieved something that likely no player ever will again, by coming through qualifying to claim a major title.
Alas, on the other hand, she is a supremely talented individual who is failing to live up to the incredible hype set by her US Open triumph nearly five years ago.
Both statements can be true, but it feels like plenty of fans are unable to distinguish between praising what she has accomplished in the past and understanding that she was never going to be a constant threat for major honours afterwards.
And, what those people continue to miss is how physically and mentally gruelling this sport is, and how we don’t see all the small battles that rage off the match court.
Emma Raducanu withdraws from Madrid Open
Emma Raducanu has arguably suffered more of these mini battles than most, and unfortunately for her, failed to come out the other side unscathed.
Wrist and ankle injuries have curtailed entire seasons, and now that her physicality seems to be holding up, illnesses have instead struck her down. The latest one, reportedly picked up in Cluj back in February, has had a truly devastating effect.
Where do you think Emma Raducanu will finish 2026 ranked?
The Brit did play events after reaching the final in Romania, but underperformed in Qatar, Dubai and Indian Wells.
It was clear she was hampered, and that illness has now crept into her clay-court campaign too.
Raducanu has most recently withdrawn from the Madrid Open, but there are hopes that the Italian Open represents a sensible return tournament for the 22-year-old.
However, there is reason to suggest that there’s no need to rush back, not for Rome and maybe not even for Roland Garros.
Perhaps Raducanu could benefit from cutting her losses on the clay and skipping the swing entirely.
Why Emma Raducanu should skip the entire clay-court season
Whilst this is a radical and totally unprecedented suggestion, there is reason to believe that it would be a smart move.
After all, what Raducanu has been dealing with is not an injury.
It is unpredictable and needs managing with intelligence rather than a rigid recovery programme.
That is why opting not to compete in tournaments could benefit her entirely.
| Event | Round reached | Defeated by |
| Indian Wells | Second Round | Amanda Anisimova |
| Dubai Open | First Round | Antonia Ružić |
| Qatar Open | First Round | Camila Osorio [ret] |
| Transylvania Open | Final | Sorana Cirstea |
| Australian Open | Second Round | Anastasia Potapova |
This would allow Raducanu to control her own schedule, practising when she sees fit and steadily returning to match fitness. More importantly, it would afford her crucial additional preparation for the grass too.
If she were to rush back into competition, she would be forced into a relentless schedule that affords her no opportunity to rest should her illness flare up again.
Not to mention that Raducanu has typically underperformed on the dirt, only ever playing Roland Garros twice and never surpassing the second round on either occasion.