STRASBOURG — British tennis star Emma Raducanu suffered an injury scare just four days before the French Open begins, retiring mid-match during her three-set loss to Danielle Collins in the first round of the Strasbourg Open. The 2021 US Open champion appeared to struggle with a back issue, raising concerns about her fitness ahead of Roland Garros.
Raducanu, who entered Strasbourg as a wildcard, was trailing 6-4, 1-6, 1-4 when she called for the trainer and eventually withdrew. The 21-year-old had been visibly uncomfortable during the third set, clutching her lower back between points. Collins, a former Australian Open finalist, was leading at the time of the retirement and advances to the next round.
Injury Concerns Loom Before French Open
The timing of Raducanu’s injury could not be worse, with the French Open set to begin on Sunday, May 26. The British No. 1 has been working her way back to form after multiple surgeries last year, including procedures on both wrists and an ankle. "I felt something in my back during the match, and it got progressively worse," Raducanu said in a post-match interview.
Raducanu’s team later confirmed she was undergoing medical assessments to determine the severity of the issue. A spokesperson stated, "Emma will undergo scans to evaluate the extent of the discomfort. We remain hopeful it’s nothing serious, but her health is the priority." The injury casts doubt on whether she will be fit enough to compete in Paris, where she was expected to be unseeded.
Collins Capitalizes on Raducanu’s Struggles
Danielle Collins, who recently announced this will be her final season on tour, took advantage of Raducanu’s physical struggles. The American, known for her aggressive baseline game, dominated the third set before Raducanu’s retirement. "It’s never how you want to win, but I thought I played well in key moments," Collins said post-match.
Key moments from the match included:
- Raducanu’s strong second-set resurgence, where she dropped just one game
- Collins’ relentless return game, which pressured Raducanu into errors
- The visible discomfort Raducanu showed in the third set, leading to her withdrawal
Raducanu’s Rocky Road to Recovery
Since her historic US Open triumph in 2021, Raducanu has faced a series of setbacks, including injuries and coaching changes. Her 2023 season was derailed by surgeries, and she has been gradually rebuilding her ranking this year. The Strasbourg event was meant to provide crucial match practice before Roland Garros, but the injury scare has complicated those plans.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman expressed concern, telling the BBC: "Emma’s body has let her down at the worst possible time. She’s worked so hard to get back, and now this happens. The French Open is a brutal tournament physically, so she has to be careful."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
With the French Open draw set to be released on Thursday, Raducanu faces a race against time. If she withdraws, she would miss her second consecutive Grand Slam after skipping the Australian Open earlier this year. However, if she competes, she risks aggravating the injury on clay, the most physically demanding surface.
Tennis analyst Mats Wilander weighed in, saying, "Emma has to listen to her body. If she’s not 100%, it’s better to rest and focus on the grass season, where she’s had success before. The last thing she needs is another long-term setback."
Conclusion
Emma Raducanu’s injury scare in Strasbourg has thrown her French Open participation into doubt. With just days until the tournament begins, her team faces a tough decision—push through the pain or prioritize long-term recovery. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on her condition as the tennis world turns its attention to Paris.