STRASBOURG — British tennis star Emma Raducanu has raised concerns about her fitness ahead of the French Open after suffering an injury scare during her match in Strasbourg. The 21-year-old, who has struggled with injuries since her historic 2021 US Open triumph, hinted at potential withdrawal from Roland Garros if her condition doesn’t improve.
Raducanu was forced to retire from her second-round match at the Internationaux de Strasbourg against Argentina’s María Lourdes Carlé due to a recurring back issue. The discomfort became evident early in the match, and after losing the first set 6-4, she called for a medical timeout before deciding she couldn’t continue. "I felt it during the warm-up, but I thought I could play through it," Raducanu admitted post-match.
A Recurring Problem
This latest setback adds to Raducanu’s growing list of injury concerns. Since her breakthrough Grand Slam win, she has undergone surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, missing large portions of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Her back issue first surfaced earlier this year during a tournament in Stuttgart, forcing her to withdraw mid-match.
Raducanu’s team has been cautious with her schedule, opting for a gradual return to full competition. However, the Strasbourg incident suggests lingering problems. "It’s frustrating because I’ve been working so hard to stay healthy," she said. "But sometimes the body just doesn’t cooperate."
French Open Participation in Doubt
With the French Open starting on May 26, Raducanu faces a race against time to recover. She has yet to confirm whether she will compete in Paris, stating: "I need to assess it day by day. Right now, I’m not sure if I’ll be ready."
Her participation is further complicated by her ranking. Currently ranked No. 212, Raducanu would need a wildcard to enter the main draw, though tournament organizers have indicated they would likely grant her one given her star power.
Key Concerns for Raducanu:
- Persistent back pain affecting movement and serve
- Limited match fitness after multiple withdrawals
- Risk of aggravating injuries on clay, a physically demanding surface
- Pressure to perform after extended time away from top-level competition
Experts Weigh In
Sports physiotherapist Dr. Sarah Mitchell, who has worked with elite tennis players, warned that Raducanu’s situation requires careful management. "Back injuries can be tricky, especially for a player with her history. Rushing back could lead to long-term issues."
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman echoed these concerns, telling the BBC: "Emma needs to prioritize her long-term health. Missing Roland Garros might be disappointing, but it’s better than risking further damage."
What’s Next?
Raducanu is expected to make a final decision on her French Open participation in the coming days. If she withdraws, she will likely focus on preparing for the grass-court season, where she has historically performed well.
For now, fans and analysts alike are left waiting. As Raducanu put it: "I want to play, but only if I’m 100%. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through pain isn’t always the answer."
The tennis world will be watching closely, hoping for positive news ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year. Whether she competes or not, Raducanu’s journey back to full fitness remains one of the sport’s most compelling storylines.
Her coach, Nick Cavaday, remained cautiously optimistic: "We’re taking it step by step. Emma’s health comes first, and we’ll make the right call when the time comes."
With the clock ticking, Raducanu’s next update could determine not just her French Open fate, but the trajectory of her comeback season.