STRASBOURG — British tennis star Emma Raducanu suffered a concerning injury during her first-round match at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, casting doubt on her fitness ahead of the French Open. The 21-year-old, who was making her debut at the WTA 250 event, retired trailing 6-4, 1-0 against American Danielle Collins due to a lower back issue.
Raducanu, who has been plagued by injuries since her historic 2021 US Open triumph, appeared visibly uncomfortable during the match. After losing the first set, she received a medical timeout for treatment on her lower back. Despite attempting to continue, she withdrew after just one game in the second set, raising concerns about her participation in Roland Garros, which begins on May 26.
Raducanu’s Struggles with Injuries Continue
The Strasbourg match marked Raducanu’s first appearance on clay this season, and her physical struggles were evident early on. She later explained, "I felt something in my back during the warm-up, and it got progressively worse. I tried to push through, but it wasn’t possible." The injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for the young Brit, who has undergone multiple surgeries in recent years, including on her wrists and ankle.
Collins, who is retiring at the end of the season, expressed sympathy for her opponent: "It’s never easy to see someone struggling like that. Emma’s a great player, and I hope she recovers quickly." The American, a former Australian Open finalist, will face either Anhelina Kalinina or Clara Burel in the next round.
French Open Participation in Doubt
Raducanu’s withdrawal raises immediate questions about her readiness for the French Open, where she is expected to compete without a protected ranking. The former world No. 10 has not played at Roland Garros since 2022, missing last year’s tournament due to wrist and ankle surgeries. Her current ranking of No. 212 means she would need a wildcard to enter the main draw.
Key concerns for Raducanu’s team include:
- The severity of the back injury and whether it requires further scans
- Her ability to train adequately before the Grand Slam
- The risk of aggravating the issue on clay, a physically demanding surface
Medical Assessment Underway
Raducanu’s team confirmed she will undergo further medical evaluation in the coming days. A spokesperson stated, "Emma will be assessed by specialists to determine the extent of the issue. We’ll provide updates as we know more." The timing is particularly unfortunate, as Raducanu had shown promising form in recent weeks, reaching the quarterfinals in Stuttgart.
Collins Capitalizes on Opportunity
While the focus was on Raducanu’s injury, Collins demonstrated her trademark aggressive baseline game. The 30-year-old, who announced earlier this year that 2024 would be her final season, broke Raducanu twice in the first set. She later reflected, "I was just trying to stay focused on my game. It’s tough when your opponent isn’t at 100%, but you have to stay professional."
Collins, currently ranked No. 12, is enjoying a resurgent season, having won titles in Miami and Charleston. Her powerful groundstrokes and relentless intensity make her a dangerous opponent on any surface, and she will be a dark horse at Roland Garros.
Raducanu’s Rocky Road Since US Open Triumph
Raducanu’s career has been a rollercoaster since her fairytale run at the 2021 US Open, where she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam. Since then, she has faced:
- Persistent injury struggles, including wrist, ankle, and now back issues
- Frequent coaching changes, with five different coaches in three years
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu has remained determined. In a recent interview, she emphasized, "I know my best tennis is ahead of me. It’s just about staying patient and trusting the process." However, this latest injury is another hurdle in her quest to return to the top of the game.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
If Raducanu is forced to skip the French Open, she may turn her attention to the grass-court season, where she has historically performed well. Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021, could be a more realistic target. However, much depends on the diagnosis of her back injury.
Tennis analyst and former player Laura Robson weighed in: "Emma’s body has let her down at the worst possible moments. She needs a sustained period of fitness to rebuild confidence. Rushing back could do more harm than good."
As the tennis world awaits updates, Raducanu’s fans will hope this is just a minor setback rather than another lengthy absence. For now, her immediate focus will be on recovery and ensuring she is fit for the summer’s biggest tournaments.