Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Miami Open Due to Illness

Emma Raducanu, the British number one and 2021 US Open champion, has withdrawn from the Miami Open due to lingering post-viral symptoms from an illness she contracted during the Middle East swing last month. The 23-year-old, seeded 24th, was set to receive a first-round bye and face either compatriot Sonay Kartal or American Peyton Stearns in the second round when the WTA 1000 event begins on Tuesday in Florida.

Raducanu's decision comes after a challenging start to the season marked by health setbacks and coaching changes. She first showed signs of the virus during her run to the final at the WTA 250 event in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on February 7, where she lost to Sorana Cirstea while appearing fatigued. A chest infection compounded her issues there, and she struggled through first-round defeats in Doha and Dubai. Preseason preparations were already disrupted by a foot injury, contributing to an inconsistent campaign.

At Indian Wells last week, Raducanu appeared to regain some momentum in her first-round victory over qualifier Anastasia Zakharova, winning 6-1, 6-3. However, her progress halted abruptly in the second round against Amanda Anisimova, the world number six and a...