Emma Raducanu suddenly withdraws from Italian Open after press conference

British No 1 pulls out at short notice with post-viral illness

Raducanu has been absent from circuit since March

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of her continued difficulties with post-viral illness, less than 30 minutes after positively discussing her presence in Rome during her pre-tournament media interviews.

Raducanu has spent the last few days competing at the Foro Italico, playing practice sets with other competitors and, having received a bye as a seeded player, she was scheduled to contest her second-round match against Solana Sierra or a qualifier.