Emma Raducanu has revealed how overcoming her "biggest phobia" - a fear of needles - is helping ensure she's fully fit for her French Open return.
The 22-year-old British star has been using dry needling and heat therapy to manage a back spasm suffered at a warm-up tournament in Strasbourg.
"At the start of the year I was so scared of needles. It was my biggest phobia. That was the only way I was going to be able to play Australia," Raducanu told BBC Sport.
"Since then, I've been kind of dipping my toes into it because I know it helps even though I'm really scared of them."
Emma Raducanu has revealed how overcoming her "biggest phobia" - a fear of needles - is helping ensure she's fully fit for her French Open return
REUTERS
Raducanu has been "managing" the back issue during practices at Roland Garros after suffering the spasm last week.
"It feels OK, it feels good, not 100 per cent yet, but we're working towards that. I still have a couple of days," she explained.
The British No 2 is preparing for her return to the French Open, where she previously reached the second round in her only appearance three years ago.
Despite the discomfort, the 43rd-ranked Briton feels ready to face China's Wang Xinyu in Monday's first round at Roland Garros.
JUST IN: Gary Lineker overheard making 'remarks' about BBC boss as presenter leaves Match of the Day
Emma Raducanu will lock horns with Wang Xinyu at the French Open on Monday
PA
Her recovery approach reflects a new emphasis on listening to her body rather than pushing through pain.
Raducanu compared her current back issue favourably to a similar problem she experienced before this year's Australian Open.
"I would say the one before Australia was worse. I feel like this one I kind of caught before it fully locked up," she said.
The 2021 US Open champion has made this treatment part of her injury management strategy, despite her fear of needles.
READ MORE: Roy Keane makes feelings clear on Nottingham Forest's decision to ban Gary Neville
"That's how I've kind of been trying to manage it," Raducanu added.
She appears confident about competing in her first-round match against Wang, having taken proactive steps to address the spasm before it developed into a more serious condition.
Raducanu has been making solid progress since returning from wrist and ankle surgeries in April 2023, climbing back into the world's top 50 after dropping out of the top 300 last year.
She has played more tournaments in the first five months of this season than ever before, showing increased resilience.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
However, clay courts present a particular challenge for her back issues.
"I just kept pushing through because people were telling me I wasn't tough enough," Raducanu admitted.
"I wish I would have listened to myself sooner. I would have saved myself maybe like eight months, 12 months of struggling, but I guess I can learn from that."
Raducanu's climb back into the top 50 has put her in a three-way battle with Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal for the British No 1 ranking.
Emma Raducanu will be making just her second appearance at the French Open
REUTERS
Boulter, currently ranked 38th in the world, has been Britain's leading women's player for almost two years and recently reinforced her status by winning a clay-court title on the second-tier WTA 125 tour.
She sits five places above Raducanu and 15 ahead of 23-year-old Kartal.
"I want to see Emma and Sonay, and anyone else, pushing me in the rankings," said Boulter.
"My primary focus is going to be on myself. I take being British number one as a privilege, but at the same time it's not my goal."
