Illness continues to plague Emma Raducanu, pulls out of Italian Open

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a post-viral illness.

Raducanu has struggled with the illness for two months, last featuring on March 8 in a defeat to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells.

The 23-year-old had been practising in Rome ahead of the Italian Open, and conducted media duties 30 minutes before her withdrawal.

Raducanu revealed she was not 100% fit, with her energy levels taking a hit due to her health struggles.

"I feel really good right now in terms of where I am headed," Raducanu told BBC Sport before her withdrawal was announced.

"I think I have put a lot of good work in the last three weeks, but it's relatively early on in my return.

"I had six weeks almost of doing nothing just trying to recover from the virus, and it takes a lot out of you physically.

"I'm feeling in a better place – not 100% - and I feel like I have got a great purpose and a way about how I am approaching things right now.

"Coming on to the clay courts is much more physically demanding than potentially other surfaces but I want to come back 100% ready.

"I have been building my way up slowly and looking forward to when I get out there."