Emma Raducanu Acknowledges Lingering Back Issues Ahead of French Open Debut
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed she is still managing a back injury as she prepares for her first-round match at the French Open, admitting she is not fully fit heading into the tournament.
The 22-year-old, currently ranked as Britain’s number two, suffered a back spasm during her second-round match in Strasbourg on Wednesday — the final warm-up event before Roland Garros. The injury, she explained, is similar to a previous episode she endured ahead of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Speaking candidly about her condition, Raducanu said, “It’s still not 100 per cent. I had a spasm in Strasbourg and since then, I’ve just been trying to manage it with treatment. I’ve been on court for practice both last night and this morning, and while it felt OK in those sessions, obviously match play is a different challenge.”
She went on to compare the two injuries, noting that the January episode was more severe: “The one before Australia was worse. I think this time I managed to catch it before it completely locked up, which is why I’ve been able to stay on top of it with the physios. There’s been a lot of heat treatment, and I’ve even tried acupuncture.”
Raducanu added that using needles for treatment has been mentally challenging due to her needle phobia. “At the beginning of the year, needles were my biggest fear. I was terrified of them,” she said. “But that was the only way I could even compete in Australia. Since then, I’ve tried to gradually ease into it. Even though I’m still scared of them, I know they help. So that’s how I’ve been coping.”
Despite her discomfort, Raducanu managed to finish her Strasbourg match, ultimately falling to American Danielle Collins in a tight three-set battle, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. She had received a wild card entry into the tournament as part of her last-minute clay court preparations.
Raducanu’s decision to compete in Strasbourg marked a shift from her previous Grand Slam routines. The former US Open champion skipped last year’s French Open and also chose not to participate in the Olympic Games, which were held at the same venue.
Reflecting on her current clay court campaign, Raducanu expressed a sense of growth and learning. “I’m glad I’ve had more time on clay this year,” she said. “Looking back at previous years, I think I would have benefited from more clay court preparation earlier in my career. It wouldn’t feel so unfamiliar now.”
She clarified that skipping last year’s clay season wasn’t just about gearing up for grass. “There were other factors too — things off the court I had to deal with, mentally resetting, and putting myself in the right headspace for Wimbledon. Thankfully that worked out, but I wouldn’t choose to repeat that strategy in the future.”
Emma Raducanu is set to face Wang Xinyu of China in her opening match on Monday. If successful, she could face a monumental challenge in the second round: world number one and four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek.
With her back still not at full strength and a tough draw ahead, Raducanu will be looking to battle through both physical setbacks and high-level opposition in her quest to improve her clay-court resume.
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