A Rising Star’s Unlikely Struggle in Italy
Emma Raducanu may be one of tennis’s brightest young stars, but her relationship with the Italian Open has been nothing short of… cursed. Since her breakthrough in 2021, Raducanu has battled injuries, criticism, coaching shake-ups, and media pressure, but nothing has matched the surreal series of events surrounding her exclusion from one of Europe’s most prestigious WTA tournaments.
Year after year, fans have eagerly anticipated her arrival in Rome—only to find out she either withdrew, failed to enter, or in the latest twist, wasn’t allowed inside the Foro Italico grounds at all. For 2025, it wasn’t a ranking issue, nor an injury. It was something far stranger.
“It’s Always the Dog…”
In a candid interview after her loss in Madrid, Raducanu finally shared the truth.
“It’s always the dog,” she said with a mix of exasperation and laughter. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but every time I try to get into the grounds with my dog, they stop me. No matter what pass I have, they won’t let me through if I’m walking him.”
Yes, you read that correctly. Emma Raducanu—one of Britain’s most bankable tennis stars—is being repeatedly blocked from entering the Italian Open because of her miniature dachshund, affectionately named “Moose.”
The revelation immediately went viral. Social media lit up with hashtags like #FreeMoose and #LetEmmaPlay, while tennis commentators debated whether tournament organizers were being overly strict or just didn’t like canines.
A Pattern of Banter and Bans
This isn’t a one-off incident. According to Emma, she’s had run-ins with Italian Open security multiple years in a row. In 2023, she was reportedly stopped at the players’ entrance and asked to leave her dog outside the venue.
“I thought it was a joke,” she said. “I wasn’t even playing that year—I just came to watch some friends and hit a few balls, but they told me Moose couldn’t enter unless he was a guide dog.”
The security team held firm. Emma complied but left early in protest, visibly upset. In 2024, she returned with a special permit, only to find it “invalid due to new protocols.” This year, she didn’t even try.
“I love Italy. I love Rome. But I’m not going through another Moose-gate,” she joked. “I’ll stick to training elsewhere.”
Fans Outraged, Celebs Weigh In
The tennis world responded fast. Billie Jean King tweeted:
“If a player wants to bring their dog, give them a court and a bowl. Let’s focus on what matters.”
Meanwhile, Andy Murray, a fellow dog lover, posted a picture of his own pups courtside with the caption:
“Good thing we’re not in Rome 🐶🎾 #TeamMoose”
Fans flooded the Italian Open’s official Instagram with dog emojis and pleas to lift the unwritten ban. Some even offered to dog-sit Moose during Emma’s matches.
A petition titled “Let Emma and Moose Into Rome!” collected over 25,000 signatures in 48 hours.
A Deeper Issue: What Does This Say About the WTA’s Relationship with Its Stars?
Raducanu’s struggle might seem amusing on the surface, but some insiders believe it reflects a broader issue within the WTA and tournament organization.
“She’s not asking for a helicopter or a personal chef,” one former player said anonymously. “She wants to bring a small dog to a venue where other players have been allowed to do far more extravagant things.”
The real question is: Why enforce this rule so strictly for one of the most marketable stars in the sport?
Raducanu, now 22, has often walked a fine line between public love and institutional pushback. From the moment she won the US Open, she’s been under a microscope—every coaching change, sponsor deal, and off-court hobby analyzed and critiqued.
Italian Open Organizers Respond—Sort Of
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Italian Open said:
“Our tournament has a long-standing policy regarding non-service animals on site. While we admire Ms. Raducanu and her accomplishments, we must maintain consistent standards for all participants and guests.”
No apology. No reconsideration. No mention of Moose.
This only intensified the backlash. British tabloids ran headlines like:
“Rome Turns Its Back on Raducanu Over a Dog”
“Moose Banned Again as Emma Locked Out of Italy”
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s fans continue to call for compromise.
What’s Next for Emma—and Moose?
With the French Open and Wimbledon around the corner, Raducanu’s camp has shifted focus. Her team confirmed she’s training in Barcelona with Moose happily present. She remains a wildcard hopeful for Roland Garros, and if healthy, is expected to go deep into the draw at SW19.
As for Rome?
“I might just watch it from home with Moose on the sofa,” she said with a grin. “We’ll have pasta delivered and pretend we’re there.”
The Social Side: Why This Story Matters
The “Emma Raducanu Italian Open ban” story has transcended tennis and entered mainstream pop culture for one simple reason—it’s relatable. A young woman trying to balance her professional life with a bit of personal comfort. A dog lover facing rules that seem out of step with modern times. An international star confronted by bureaucracy that can’t seem to see beyond the playbook.
In an era where athlete mental health and personalization are front and center, Raducanu’s story is a reminder that compassion, flexibility, and basic humanity need to be baked into our sporting institutions.
Closing Thoughts: #FreeMoose and the Future
In all seriousness, Emma Raducanu’s tale—humorous as it is—taps into something larger: the disconnect between star athletes and the rigid rules of tradition-bound events. For a sport like tennis to grow, it must evolve, even in its details. That includes how it welcomes its stars, their teams—and yes, their dogs.
Whether Rome will change its mind remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: fans want Emma—and Moose—back in the Eternal City.
