Rome, May 6 -- Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of the post-viral illness that has kept her off the WTA Tour for two months.
The British number one had been practising in Rome since Saturday and spoke to the media just 30 minutes before formally pulling out.
According to the WTA rulebook, players have to fulfil media duties on site even if they withdraw - and can be fined if they fail to do so.
There was, however, no clear indication Raducanu was about to abandon her comeback, although she did say she wants to return when "100% ready".
"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...