Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Miami Open Due to Ongoing Illness
Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation and 2021 US Open champion, has withdrawn from the Miami Open 2026, citing illness and lingering effects from a recent viral infection. This marks another challenging moment in her season.
Raducanu was scheduled to compete in the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament in Miami, which runs until March 29. As the 24th seed, she had already secured a spot in the second round but decided to withdraw to focus on her recovery.
The 23-year-old athlete reportedly contracted a virus during her tour in the Middle East in February, and the lingering symptoms have made it difficult for her to return to peak form, forcing her to miss one of the key hardcourt events of the year.
Struggles This Season
This decision follows a tough run for Raducanu, who has faced several physical challenges this season, including a foot injury during the offseason and an early exit from the Australian Open, which prompted a split with her longtime coach, Francisco Roig. She has also experienced early exits in tournaments in Doha and Dubai.
Currently, Raducanu’s match record stands at 7 wins and 7 losses on the WTA Tour, with her most notable win coming against Anastasia Zakharova, ranked 86th in the world.
Impact on Ranking
Her withdrawal from the Miami Open means she will not be able to defend the 215 ranking points she earned by reaching the quarterfinals at the event last year. This situation could affect her ranking, which has already been unstable, as she continues to drop further from the top 30.
During her impressive run at last year’s Miami Open, Raducanu reached the quarterfinals before being defeated by fourth seed Jessica Pegula in a tightly contested three-set match—one of her best performances in a WTA 1000 event.
British Representation Affected
Raducanu’s absence will also impact Great Britain’s representation in the tournament, along with other players like Sonay Kartal, who have also withdrawn due to injuries.
Looking ahead, Raducanu’s team has indicated that she plans to take the necessary time to rest and rehabilitate before returning to competition, aiming to participate in the claycourt season starting in April, with events like the Linz Open likely on her schedule.
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