As the tennis world turns its attention to the red clay of Roland Garros for the 2025 French Open, British star Emma Raducanu has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike after revealing a troubling back injury sustained during her recent match in Strasbourg. The 22-year-old, who has been making strides on clay this season, suffered a setback in a hard-fought three-set loss to American Danielle Collins, raising questions about her readiness for the upcoming Grand Slam, which begins on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Raducanu’s journey on clay this year has been a tale of resilience and progress. After missing Roland Garros in 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries and opting out in 2024 to focus on the grass-court season, the former US Open champion has shown promising form on the challenging surface. Her recent performances, including a notable victory over world No. 17 Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg—her first win against a top-20 player on clay—highlighted her growing comfort on the red dirt. “I’m starting to like clay a bit more,” Raducanu remarked earlier this week, reflecting her newfound confidence. However, the back spasms that plagued her during her Strasbourg defeat have cast a shadow over her preparations for Paris.
In her match against Collins, Raducanu displayed her characteristic tenacity. Despite taking the first set 6-4, she struggled in the second, trailing 5-0 when she called for a medical timeout to address her back discomfort. After a 10-minute break, she returned to the court, showing no obvious signs of distress and even pushing Collins to a competitive third set. “I will just try and make it better,” Raducanu said post-match, addressing her injury with a mix of pragmatism and determination. Her ability to fight back, nearly securing a 3-1 lead in the decider, suggests the issue may not be severe, but the timing—mere days before Roland Garros—has sparked worry.
Raducanu’s team remains cautiously optimistic, stating she is en route to Paris and expected to be in good shape for the tournament. The draw at Roland Garros, conducted on Thursday, May 22, 2025, has set her up for a first-round clash against China’s Xinyu Wang, ranked No. 42 in the world. A potential second-round blockbuster against defending champion Iga Swiatek looms, a matchup that could test Raducanu’s physical and mental resilience. Swiatek, a four-time Roland Garros champion, has faced her own challenges this season, dropping to the fifth seed after a dip in form, but remains a formidable opponent on clay.
The injury scare in Strasbourg is the latest chapter in Raducanu’s career, which has been marked by both brilliance and adversity since her stunning 2021 US Open triumph. Injuries, including a back issue that forced her withdrawal from the Auckland Open earlier this year, have been a persistent hurdle. Yet, her recent clay-court campaign—highlighted by three consecutive wins in Rome before a loss to Coco Gauff—demonstrates her potential to compete at the highest level. Working under the guidance of part-time coach Mark Petchey, Raducanu has adopted a “less is more” approach to her 2025 season, focusing on strategic scheduling to maximize her performance.
As she prepares for Roland Garros, Raducanu remains focused on the positives. “I do not want to hide in a hole,” she said after her Rome defeat, emphasizing her desire to keep pushing forward. Her odds to win the French Open stand at +8000, reflecting the uphill battle she faces, but her recent clay-court stats—winning 66.7% of her service games and converting 51.4% of break points—suggest she could make an impact if her health holds up.
British tennis fans will also be watching compatriots like Katie Boulter, who faces a qualifier in her opener, and Jack Draper, who takes on Mattia Bellucci. Raducanu’s journey, however, carries a particular weight, given her status as a former Grand Slam champion and her ongoing quest to reclaim her place among the elite. As she heads to Paris, the tennis world will be watching closely, hoping her back injury proves to be a minor hiccup in what could be a defining moment in her career.
# Emma Raducanu Faces Injury Concerns as French Open Looms
## A Promising Clay Season Interrupted
Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation, has raised concerns among fans after revealing a back injury sustained during her recent match at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. The injury occurred during a three-set loss to Danielle Collins on May 21, 2025, just days before the start of the French Open at Roland Garros. Despite the setback, Raducanu’s team remains optimistic, stating she is traveling to Paris and expected to be ready for the tournament.
## Strasbourg Setback
In Strasbourg, Raducanu showed her grit, taking the first set 6-4 against Collins before back spasms forced a medical timeout in the second set. “I will just try and make it better,” she said, reflecting her determination to push through. After returning, she competed fiercely in the third set, nearly securing a 3-1 lead, but ultimately fell 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. Her performance suggests the injury may not be severe, but its timing adds uncertainty to her Roland Garros campaign.
## Roland Garros Draw and Challenges
The French Open draw, conducted on May 22, 2025, pits Raducanu against world No. 42 Xinyu Wang in the first round. A potential second-round clash with defending champion Iga Swiatek, a four-time Roland Garros winner, awaits if both advance. Raducanu’s recent clay-court form, including a standout win over Daria Kasatkina, bodes well, but her health will be critical.
## A Career of Triumphs and Trials
Since her 2021 US Open victory, Raducanu has faced numerous challenges, including injuries that sidelined her for Roland Garros in 2023 and led her to skip the event in 2024. Her 2025 season has shown promise, with a quarter-final run in Miami and three consecutive clay-court wins in Rome. Under part-time coach Mark Petchey, she has embraced a strategic approach to her schedule, aiming to peak at key moments.
## Looking Ahead
As Raducanu prepares for Roland Garros, her focus remains on progress. “I do not want to hide in a hole,” she declared after her Rome loss, signaling her intent to compete. With a 66.7% service game win rate and 51.4% break point conversion on clay over the past year, she has the tools to succeed—if her body cooperates. British fans will also cheer for Katie Boulter and Jack Draper, but Raducanu’s journey carries a unique spotlight as she aims to shine in Paris.
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