Emma Raducanu handed immediate blow on return as Brit handed nightmare Italian Open draw

Emma Raducanu is set to return to competitive tennis at the Italian Open in Rome, her first appearance since Indian Wells in early March 2026. The 2021 US Open champion had withdrawn from the Madrid Open citing a right hand injury, meaning she has not played a single match during the clay court swing. She receives a bye into the second round, where she will face either Sierra Solana or a qualifier, before likely meeting reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the following round.