Emma Raducanu Suffers Injury Scare, Misses Chance to Boost Rankings After Strasbourg Exit

Emma Raducanu endured a major injury scare just days before the French Open, as she exited the Strasbourg International following a hard-fought three-set loss to Danielle Collins. The British star’s setback not only raises concerns about her fitness but also costs her a valuable opportunity to climb the WTA rankings.

A Thrilling Encounter Ends in Disappointment

In a pulsating WTA 500 contest, world No. 46 Danielle Collins mounted a remarkable comeback from a set down to defeat Raducanu 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. The American’s victory marked only her second quarter-final appearance of 2025, a year that has proved challenging for the 31-year-old.

Collins credited her aggressive playing style for turning the match around. “I knew playing Emma that I would have to play my aggressive game style,” Collins said post-match. “The more that I did that, I think I was able to stay in control of the points and really push her. She played really well and gave me some challenges – but I just kept going after it.”

Raducanu’s Promising Start Cut Short

Raducanu, ranked world No. 43, began the match impressively, showcasing the high-quality tennis that earned her global acclaim. She dominated the opening set, signaling a strong performance ahead.

However, the British player’s form declined sharply in the second set, exacerbated by a back injury that forced her to take an off-court medical timeout while trailing 5-0. Despite returning to the court to hold serve, Raducanu could not regain momentum, eventually succumbing to Collins in the deciding set.

This back issue is not new for Raducanu, who has struggled with injury troubles throughout early 2025. She withdrew from the Auckland Open before the Australian Open due to similar concerns, making this latest scare all the more worrying ahead of Roland Garros.

Implications for the French Open and Rankings

Raducanu has missed Roland Garros in recent years—pulling out in 2023 due to injury and skipping the 2024 tournament for scheduling reasons. With the French Open set to begin imminently, the 22-year-old will be hopeful that her back injury does not jeopardize her participation.

The defeat also extinguishes Raducanu’s immediate chance of returning to the WTA top 40. Currently ranked 43rd in the world, Raducanu briefly climbed to No. 41 in the live rankings after an opening-round win over Daria Kasatkina. A win against Collins would not have pushed her higher, but it would have brought her within one victory of breaking into the elite top 40 once again.

Danielle Collins Fights to Maintain Ranking Amid Tough Season

For Danielle Collins, the win offers a reprieve in an otherwise difficult season. Starting 2025 as world No. 11, Collins has struggled to defend titles at Miami Open and Charleston Open, leading to a dramatic fall in rankings.

Heading into Strasbourg, Collins faced the prospect of dropping outside the top 60. With points to defend as a finalist from the previous edition, her early exit would have meant a steep fall. Her victory in Strasbourg’s round of 16 and progression to the quarter-finals helps stem that slide, although she is still projected to drop 13 spots to around No. 59.

Looking Ahead

As the tennis world turns its attention to Paris, Emma Raducanu’s fitness and form will be under intense scrutiny. Her back injury and recent loss raise questions about how prepared she is to compete at the highest level in the second Grand Slam of the year.

Meanwhile, Danielle Collins seeks to regain her earlier season momentum and halt her ranking slide, using the Strasbourg quarter-final as a platform to rebuild confidence.

The upcoming weeks will be critical for both players, as they navigate challenges on and off the court in pursuit of success on the WTA Tour.