The Italian Open continues, with top names in the men’s draw taking to the court as players begin to book their place in the third round of the tournament, while some will have an eye on the second Grand Slam tournament of the season, the French Open, which kicks off later this month.

Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka both won their opening-round matches on Thursday and earlier this week, both women said they would support boycotting the Grand Slam tournaments if it was the only way their requests around prize money, player welfare schemes, and decision-making were heard.

Not everybody, however, is in favour of a strike. British No. 1 Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Italian Open approximately half an hour after completing her pre-tournament media obligations on Tuesday. Before she pulled out, the 2021 US Open champion made her position on a potential boycott clear.

ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner has also taken note of what his fellow players have said, and has since claimed that they “don’t feel respect” from the Slams. Novak Djokovic also praised Sabalenka for taking a stand. The Serbian superstar is due to make his competitive comeback at the Foro Italico today, though suffered a setback before the tournament had even begun.

And Raducanu wasn’t the only player to withdraw after the draw was made. Marta Kostyuk, Amanda Anisimova, Victoria Mboko, Arthur Rinderknech, and Valentin Vacherot have also pulled out, with some announcing their withdrawals hours before they were due on court.

Follow along below as Express Sport brings you LIVE updates from the Italian Open and beyond…