Emma Raducanu has revealed persistent back problems are casting doubt over her grass-court campaign, admitting her expectations are "pretty low" for this week's Queen's Club tournament.
The 2021 US Open champion disclosed that back spasms have disrupted her preparations, with the issue recurring after her second-round defeat to Iga Swiatek in Paris.
"I can't really predict the future, how it's going to be," Raducanu said when questioned about her physical condition ahead of the demanding month.
"I've been managing my back for the last few weeks now, and it's something that comes and goes."
Emma Raducanu has revealed persistent back problems are casting doubt over her grass-court campaign, admitting her expectations are "pretty low" for this week's Queen's Club tournament
REUTERS
The 22-year-old acknowledged the frustration of dealing with recurring injury problems that have plagued her since the Australian Open in January.
Despite competing on home soil at the inaugural WTA 500 event in west London, Raducanu tempered expectations about her prospects.
She suffered back spasms during Australian Open preparations and experienced a recurrence in Strasbourg against Danielle Collins last month.
"It can be frustrating. I think when I was playing in Strasbourg in my second-round match, it definitely hindered me, and first round in Paris that I got through," she explained.
JUST IN: Ben Askren 'unable to respond to anything' as wife provides health update on former UFC star
Emma Raducanu was pleased to reunite with Nick Cavaday as she prepares for Queen's
REUTERS
The former British number one revealed that after taking two days off following her Paris exit, her grass-court preparations faced a "small interruption" when she suffered another back spasm.
Despite the injury concerns, Raducanu will compete in both singles and doubles, partnering with British number one Katie Boulter for the first time.
She expressed excitement about teaming with her Billie Jean King Cup teammate but hoped Boulter might "just tell me what to do" given her limited doubles experience.
Raducanu will receive support from a familiar face during the tournament, with former coach Nick Cavaday spotted practising with her on Sunday.
READ MORE: Only three people can visit Michael Schumacher at his Lake Geneva mansion - but who are they?
Cavaday had stepped away from his coaching role after the Australian Open due to health concerns, marking their first on-court reunion since January.
"I'm happy to see him healthy, first of all," Raducanu said.
"It's been a long time since we were last on court together in Australia, and I think obviously, Mark [Petchey, her current coach] is in Paris commentating. Nick was around, and it was nice to just have a few days with him."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The temporary arrangement comes as her current coach Mark Petchey fulfils commentary duties in Paris, allowing Cavaday to provide support during the home tournament.
Raducanu declined to express views on equal pay in tennis, despite the LTA's recent announcement to achieve prize money parity at Queen's and Eastbourne by 2029.
"I think in a lot of the WTA events, the prize money is definitely different to the women's. At the Slams and the Masters, it's the same, but you know, the week-to-week events, it is lower," she acknowledged.
Emma Raducanu will be hoping to win Queen's this summer
REUTERS
However, she refused to take a position on the matter.
The Briton stated: "I'm sure a lot of players will say their piece on it, but I just prefer not to kind of get involved and just whatever the situation is. I'll kind of roll with it, but I'm never really gonna take a stand, either way."
She added: "I don't feel like I really am playing for money."
Most Read
