Emma Raducanu Withdraws Strasbourg Open After Back Injury Ahead French Open

Emma Raducanu suffered a back injury scare during her second-round match against Danielle Collins at the Strasbourg Open, a key warm-up event ahead of the French Open. Despite winning the first set, Raducanu's performance declined in the second set as she took a medical timeout for her back injury but returned to complete the match, ultimately losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. This back problem has been a recurring issue for Raducanu, previously causing her withdrawal from the Auckland Open, raising concerns about her fitness ahead of Roland Garros. Nonetheless, Raducanu showed resilience in the third set, fighting hard and keeping the contest tight before Collins secured the final games. The British No. 2 will have her injury fully assessed before the French Open, but her competitive spirit in the match suggests the injury may not be severe. Raducanu had entered Strasbourg on a wild card and was building momentum on clay this season, aiming for a strong performance at the upcoming Grand Slam.