Laura Robson shares her latest information about Emma Raducanu after she withdraws from Madrid

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Emma Raducanu has been dealing with a viral illness for several months.

The 2021 US Open champion first picked up the illness during the Middle Eastern swing and has only won one match since.

Where do you think Emma Raducanu will finish 2026 ranked?

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After skipping the Miami Open, Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open, as she continues to struggle.

Former British tennis star Laura Robson has now delivered her verdict on Raducanu’s illness.

Laura Robson says Emma Raducanu’s return date is ‘up in the air’ as she skips Madrid

Speaking to Sky Sports, Robson shared everything she knows about Raducanu’s fitness.

“If only we knew [when Raducanu will return to action],” said Robson.

“She’s still struggling with the effects of a viral illness that she picked up back in February. She tried to go and play at the American hardcourts but wasn’t able to sustain that consistency, and so she is just deciding to take some more time off, but it’s kind of a bit of an unknown at the moment.

“She’s not been able to put the practice in, which means it’s not the right decision to come to a big tournament like Madrid and risk it.

“Ultimately, only she knows the answer to that question, so when will we see her? That’s very much up in the air at the moment, but hopefully soon, because she is such a big draw for these events, especially in the early rounds, as she looks to get back to top form and top fitness.”

Robson was, however, keen to clear up suggestions that Raducanu’s delayed return is related to her coaching situation.

Emma Raducanu’s 2026 season

“In this case, it’s purely a health-related issue that’s holding her back from the match court. It’s nothing to do with whether you have someone in your camp or not,” she said.

“It doesn’t make a difference if you’re not able to go out there and practice, so ultimately, she’s looking to set that up so when she is physically back to 100 percent, she can feel good, feel confident, and know that she’s working on the right things on and off the court.

“In terms of her camp, she’s been with quite a few people on and off throughout the years, and I’ve heard she’s gone back to the people at the LTA National Tennis Centre, where she is able to practice, and so in terms of tennis, that game style is always going to be there.

“That level will always be there.

“It’s about being healthy and getting back to being 100 percent.”

After Raducanu split from Francisco Roig earlier this year, she joined forces with LTA coach Alexis Canter.

Together, they reached the final of the Transylvania Open before illness put an end to Raducanu’s good form.

It remains to be seen when and where Raducanu will return, but she’ll be hoping to be back on tour sooner rather than later…

Emma Raducanu is on course to finish 2026 outside the top 50

Raducanu currently sits 27th in the ‘Live WTA Rankings’.

That would give Raducanu a seed next to her name at the upcoming French Open, meaning she would avoid the top players in the opening rounds.

Live WTA Rankings

However, her standing in the ‘Live WTA Race’ isn’t as impressive.

She sits 54th, having accumulated just 373 points this year.

If she doesn’t improve her form and start winning matches, she may well finish 2026 ranked outside the top 50.

Live WTA Race

Raducanu last finished outside the world’s top 50 in 2024.

Emma Raducanu’s year-end rankings

• 2018 – 692nd
• 2019 – 503rd
• 2020 – 343rd
• 2021 – 19th
• 2022 – 75th
• 2023 – 285th
• 2024 – 58th
• 2025 – 29th

Only time will tell what the future holds for the former Grand Slam champion.

The 2026 French Open begins on Sunday, May 24.