Emma Raducanu has crashed out in Strasbourg against Danielle Collins, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.
However, with the French Open just around the corner, a bigger concern for Raducanu will be a potential injury scare she suffered during her last-16 defeat to the American.
The 22-year-old British player was forced to leave the court for medical treatment during her second-round match at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, raising concerns about her participation at Roland Garros.
Despite winning the opening set against Collins, Raducanu ultimately exited the tournament after experiencing back problems that required attention from medical staff.
Not to be for Emma Raducanu in a last 16 battle in Strasbourg
— LTA (@the_LTA) May 21, 2025
Emma loses out 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to Danielle Collins#BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | @WTA pic.twitter.com/M8oOcrmfeu
Raducanu called for a medical timeout when trailing 5-0 in the second set, having won the first set against the big-hitting Collins.
She left the court for approximately 10 minutes to receive treatment on a back problem before returning to complete the match.
Collins was unable to hide her displeasure at the incident, taking it out on the cameraman, who she deemed had come to close.
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Danielle Collins asks a cameraman to give her & Emma Raducanu space during their match in Strasbourg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 21, 2025
“I need to get water. We’re on a changeover. You don’t need to be that close to me & you don’t need to be on top of Emma. It’s wildly inappropriate”
pic.twitter.com/s8ROMO2vaB
She said: “I need to get water. We’re on a changeover. You don’t need to be that close to me and you don’t need to be on top of Emma. It’s wildly inappropriate."
The British player had started well against the world No 46, claiming the opening set 6-4, but her level dropped noticeably at the beginning of the second set before she sought medical assistance.
Collins quickly wrapped up the second set after Raducanu's return to court, winning it 6-1.
Despite fears that the American might dominate the deciding set, Raducanu showed remarkable resilience.
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She competed hard in a tight third set and was close to taking a 3-1 lead but failed to convert four break points.
With the match delicately poised at 3-3 following an exchange of breaks, Collins found another gear, winning the final three games to secure a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory as Raducanu's challenge faded.
The way Raducanu competed in the final set suggests the back issue may not be too serious, though she will now have the problem fully assessed before travelling to Paris.
With the French Open starting on Sunday, there will be concerns about her fitness for the second Grand Slam of the year.
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Emma Raducanu had to receive treatment during her last-16 loss in Strasbourg
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However, her ability to return to court after treatment and fight hard in the deciding set offers some encouragement that she might still be able to participate at Roland Garros.
Raducanu had accepted a wild card to enter this final warm-up tournament for Roland Garros in eastern France, something she has not typically done before grand slams.
The British No 2 is currently chasing Katie Boulter as the highest-ranked British player in the women's game.
Her decision to add this additional tournament to her schedule ahead of the French Open represented a change in approach for the former US Open champion as she continues her comeback from injuries that have disrupted her career.
