Miami Open Update: Emma Raducanu Withdraws Due to Illness

By Vikram Nair / 18.03.2026

What does Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal mean for the Miami Open 2026? It signifies a notable absence for Great Britain in the tournament, as Raducanu was set to compete as the 24th seed and had earned a bye into the second round.

The Miami Open presented by Itau men’s singles main draw begins on March 18, 2026, while the women’s main draw commenced on March 17, designated as Women’s Empowerment Day. This day featured campus-wide activities and a panel discussion aimed at celebrating women during Women’s History Month.

Raducanu’s withdrawal is attributed to illness and lingering postviral symptoms, which have impacted her performance this season, reflected in her 7–7 win-loss record on the WTA Tour. Her absence means she will miss defending 215 ranking points earned by reaching the quarterfinals in 2025.

As the tournament progresses, the Stadium Court is expected to open for play on March 19, 2026. Tournament organizers have noted that heavy rainfall prior to the event required additional preparation to ensure optimal conditions for match play.

Raducanu’s team has indicated that she plans to rest and rehabilitate fully before returning to competition ahead of the claycourt season in April. This decision underscores the challenges she has faced since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open.

The Miami Open runs through March 29, 2026, and the women’s matches dominated the daytime schedule on March 17, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of female athletes in the sport.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Raducanu’s absence will affect the overall dynamics of the tournament and the representation of British players.