Emma Raducanu’s preparations for the French Open hit a snag at the Strasbourg Open, where a nagging back injury and a fierce battle against Danielle Collins resulted in a three-set loss that has fans and analysts questioning her readiness for Roland Garros. The 22-year-old British star, who has been steadily rebuilding her form on clay, showed flashes of brilliance but was ultimately undone by physical discomfort and a relentless opponent. Despite the setback, Raducanu’s candid reflections and recent clay-court progress offer hope that she can overcome this hurdle and make a strong showing in Paris.
Raducanu arrived in Strasbourg buoyed by a significant milestone: a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over world No. 17 Daria Kasatkina in the first round, marking her first win in four meetings against the Australian. Her performance was a testament to her growing comfort on clay, a surface where she had struggled in the past. She spoke with pride about her aggressive play and mental focus, noting how she maintained her composure even as the second set tightened. This win built on her recent success at the Italian Open, where she reached the fourth round with three consecutive clay-court victories, a career first. Her resurgence had lifted her to world No. 43, with a live ranking of No. 41 after the Kasatkina win, fueling hopes of a top-40 return and a potential Wimbledon seeding.
The second-round match against Collins, a former Australian Open finalist known for her ferocious style, began promisingly. Raducanu clinched the first set 6-4 with a single break of serve, showcasing the composed, versatile tennis that has marked her comeback. However, she later revealed that back discomfort had surfaced early in the match, hampering her movement. By the second set, Collins seized control, racing to a 5-0 lead as Raducanu’s mobility faltered. A 10-minute medical timeout for a back spasm, a recurring issue that had previously forced her withdrawal from the Auckland Open earlier this year, interrupted the match. Raducanu explained that these spasms can be intense and prolonged, posing a significant challenge. After treatment, she returned to avoid a bagel, winning a game before Collins closed out the set 6-1.
The deciding set was a gritty affair. Raducanu, showing her trademark resilience, battled back from an early break to level the score at 3-3, capitalizing on her ninth break point opportunity. Collins acknowledged the challenge, stating that she knew she had to bring her aggressive game to counter Raducanu’s tenacity. Despite her efforts, Raducanu’s serve faltered late, and Collins broke twice to secure a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory after two hours and 20 minutes. Raducanu reflected on her ability to compete more effectively after treatment, but the physical toll was evident.
The match was not without off-court drama. During a changeover, Collins confronted a television cameraman for filming too closely while she refilled her water bottle, calling the intrusion “wildly inappropriate.” Raducanu, who was standing nearby to avoid sitting due to her back discomfort, later clarified the situation, noting that she was trying to stay mobile to manage her condition. Another moment raised eyebrows when Raducanu handed a bottle to her coach, Mark Petchey, prompting speculation about potential sponsorship rule violations, though no official penalties were reported.
Accepting a wildcard into Strasbourg was a strategic move for Raducanu to gain more clay-court experience before Roland Garros. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the city as beautiful and emphasizing her desire to maximize her preparation. Her recent progress, including a quarterfinal run in Miami and her Italian Open performance, has showcased her potential to adapt to clay’s demanding conditions. Under Petchey’s guidance, the former coach of Andy Murray, Raducanu has embraced a more aggressive style, complementing her natural shot-making and improving her movement on the surface.
As she heads to Paris, Raducanu faces China’s Wang Xinyu, ranked world No. 42, in the French Open first round. A potential second-round matchup against four-time champion Iga Swiatek looms as a daunting challenge. Her injury history, which saw her miss Roland Garros in 2023 and 2024 due to wrist and ankle issues, adds urgency to her recovery. Reports suggest her back pain has subsided, offering optimism for her second appearance at the tournament, where she reached the second round in 2022. Her 2021 US Open triumph remains a beacon of her potential, and her recent form suggests she is rediscovering that spark.
Raducanu’s Strasbourg defeat underscored both her vulnerability and her fighting spirit. With her back condition under scrutiny, her ability to manage her physical health will be critical in Paris. As she prepares to navigate a tough draw, her determination and evolving game signal that she remains a player to watch, capable of defying expectations on the red clay of Roland Garros.
# Emma Raducanu’s Strasbourg Open Setback
Emma Raducanu’s journey at the Strasbourg Open ended in a three-set loss to Danielle Collins, marred by a back injury that raised concerns about her French Open readiness. The 22-year-old British star showed resilience and flashes of brilliance, but physical discomfort and a tough opponent halted her progress. Her reflections and recent clay-court form provide insight into her mindset as she heads to Roland Garros.
Raducanu opened with a 6-1, 6-3 win over world No. 17 Daria Kasatkina, her first victory in four meetings against the Australian. She expressed pride in her aggressive play and focus, building on her Italian Open fourth-round run where she won three consecutive clay matches. Ranked No. 43, she hit a live ranking of No. 41 after the win, eyeing a top-40 return.
Against Collins, Raducanu took the first set 6-4 but felt back discomfort early on. She later shared that intense, prolonged spasms, which previously forced her withdrawal from Auckland, emerged mid-match. Trailing 5-0 in the second set, she took a 10-minute medical timeout. Returning, she avoided a bagel, but Collins won 6-1. In the third set, Raducanu leveled at 3-3 after a grueling ninth break point, but Collins’ aggression prevailed, securing a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 win. Collins noted she needed her aggressive style to counter Raducanu’s tenacity, while Raducanu said treatment helped her compete better in the third.
An incident during a changeover saw Collins call out a cameraman for filming too closely, which Raducanu clarified occurred while she stood to ease her back. Another moment, where she handed a bottle to coach Mark Petchey, sparked sponsorship rule speculation, though no penalties followed.
Raducanu’s Strasbourg wildcard aimed to boost her clay experience. She praised the city and embraced the opportunity. Her recent Miami quarterfinal and Rome performance highlight her clay adaptation, guided by coach Mark Petchey. Facing Wang Xinyu in the French Open first round, with a possible Iga Swiatek clash next, Raducanu’s recovery from her back issue, which has eased, is crucial. Her 2021 US Open win and recent form suggest she could shine in Paris if she overcomes this physical hurdle.
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