Emma Raducanu Returns to Italian Open After Injury Hiatus

Rome, Italy – Emma Raducanu is back at the Italian Open, marking her return after a three-year absence from the tournament. The 22-year-old, a former US Open champion, will take on 19-year-old Maya Joint from Australia in the first round, scheduled for Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m. local time.

Raducanu, who is optimistic about her campaign, looks to bounce back after exiting the Madrid Open in the second round. She hopes to regain momentum and build on her performance in Rome, where she previously retired due to injury during her debut in 2022.

“It does feel new [in Rome]. I didn’t even know where half of the things were here; I think they upgraded a lot since I last came,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “This feels like a fresh start with my mindset and the people I have around me.”

Her current approach is a departure from her earlier, more technical training styles. Raducanu has been working with Mark Petchey, who is helping her focus on a more natural playing style. “It’s about doing the right things, taking the ball on more, and just repetition of certain drills and patterns,” she added.

In addition to Raducanu, British No. 1 Katie Boulter is also competing in Rome. Boulter, who recently achieved her first WTA win on clay at the Madrid Open, is preparing for her match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. “Playing in Rome is a totally different ball game,” Boulter noted. “The courts are heavy, and if you play at night, it can be even heavier.”

As both players prepare for the challenge of clay, Raducanu remains hopeful for a successful tournament and “taking it day by day.” The upcoming matches will be crucial as they both seek to solidify their games ahead of the grass court season.