The final clay-court WTA 1000 event of the season will get underway this week at the Italian Open.
Jasmine Paolini is the defending champion in Rome, with the home hope having beaten Coco Gauff in the championship match last year.
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Every player will be looking for a deep run at the Italian Open ahead of Roland Garros, including Emma Raducanu, who will play her first match since the Indian Wells Open in early March.
The Briton has yet to feature during the clay season, citing an injury in her right hand.
Upon return, Raducanu has been handed a brutal draw at the 2026 edition of the Italian Open.
Emma Raducanu’s draw at the 2026 edition of the Italian Open
Raducanu finds herself in the same quarter of the draw as last year’s finalists, Gauff and Paolini.
Seeded 27th at the Italian Open, Raducanu will receive a bye in the opening round and will play either a qualifier or Solana Sierra in round two.
In the third round, Raducanu is likely to meet Gauff, against whom she trails 2-0 at WTA Tour-level competitions.
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Should she advance past Gauff, Raducanu would then possibly have to battle past 18-year-old star Iva Jovic.
Other stars in Raducanu’s quarter of the draw include Mirra Andreeva, Elise Mertens and Maya Joint.
Greg Rusedski says Emma Raducanu is ‘striking it well’
Speaking in an episode of ‘Off Court with Greg‘, former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski said: “Emma looked like she’s striking it well. So fingers crossed this is the start of getting her momentum back.
“Because let’s not forget, she hasn’t played a match since Indian Wells. I mean, that’s ages ago. Fingers crossed she’s healthy.
“Conditions are faster, quick, and she looked good in the practice session. So for all those Raducanu fans out there, this is a good week to start.
“Hopefully she’s healthy to push through and get some wins this week.”
Raducanu reached the fourth round of the Italian Open last year, which is her best finish at the tournament ever.
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