Emma Raducanu gets boost from billionaire after missing tournament | Tennis | Sport
Emma Raducanu has been handed a boost in the WTA rankings despite withdrawing from the Madrid Open as she continues to prioritise her health. The British No. 1 remains cautious with her early‑season schedule after dealing with post‑viral symptoms from an illness picked up during February’s Middle East swing.
Over the past year, Raducanu has battled a run of injuries and illnesses that have disrupted her ability to build momentum. Despite making encouraging progress in 2026, she slipped five places to 28th after missing the Miami Open through illness.
Her previous absence in Miami had a significant impact as the likes of Marta Kostyuk, Marie Bouzkova and Emma Navarro moved back above the Brit. However, earlier in March, Navarro’s own dip inadvertently helped boost Raducanu’s placement with the American losing her opening match in each of her last three WTA tournament appearances.
Navarro also withdrew from the Madrid Open due to ongoing health issues, handing Raducanu an unexpected boost in the rankings. Raducanu now sits 27th on 1,465 points – 23 ahead of Navarro in 28th on 1,442 and the American’s absence removes the immediate threat of her being overtaken in the live standings.
Navarro is the daughter and heir of Ben Navarro, an American businessman with an estimated net worth of approximately £3.55 billion. Her father amassed this fortune by founding the Sherman Financial Group, which owns Credit One Bank, and through his private investment firm, Beemok Capital.
While she has earned millions in prize money as a top-ranked professional athlete, the vast majority of her billionaire status stems from this family wealth and future inheritance. Navarro was replaced in the draw by Ashlyn Krueger.
Meanwhile, Sorana Cirstea, who sits just ahead of Raducanu in the rankings on 1,540 points, is in action in Madrid – making it difficult for the Brit to close the gap, with the Romanian able to add points this week while Raducanu remains sidelined.
At the top of the standings, Aryna Sabalenka leads the way on 10,985 points, with Elena Rybakina following in second on 8,500.
Raducanu has not competed since her 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Amanda Anisimova in the Indian Wells second round on March 8. She attempted to return at the Miami Open, training briefly on site before withdrawing due to lingering symptoms from the viral illness she contracted during February.
She has since said the illness contributed to her poor performances and that she is still managing its after‑effects.
After pulling out of the Miami Open last month, Raducanu took an extended break from training before only recently returning to the practice court. She now faces the task of rebuilding her match fitness ahead of the French Open next month.
