Emma Raducanu is poised to make her return to competitive tennis at the Internationaux de Strasbourg next week, following a prolonged absence due to illness. The 23-year-old British number one has not competed since March's Indian Wells tournament, having withdrawn from four consecutive events because of a post-viral condition that first emerged in February.
Preparation for Roland Garros
Raducanu travelled to Rome to practice ahead of the Italian Open but ultimately decided she was not ready to return. By accepting a wild card into Strasbourg, she will gain valuable court time on clay before the French Open, which begins on May 24. This marks the second consecutive year she has received a wild card for the Strasbourg event, where she reached the second round in 2025.
The tournament announced her participation on X, stating: "Welcome back, Emma! The 2021 US Open champion will be back on the clay courts in Strasbourg."
Health and Coaching Challenges
Raducanu's 2026 season has been hampered by health issues, starting with a foot problem early in the year. She is also without a coach after parting ways with Francisco Roig following the Australian Open. Speaking in Rome about her illness, she said: "Post-viral, it’s quite hard. You feel drained, you feel tired, no energy. It’s difficult, and it lingered for quite a while."
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu expressed optimism about her recovery: "I think I’ve really turned a corner and I feel so much better. I feel great on the court." However, she acknowledged she is not yet at full strength: "Right now, I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent. I’m still building my way back."
Ranking Impact
Her extended absence has caused a slide in the WTA rankings, meaning she will not be seeded at Roland Garros. Nevertheless, the former US Open champion is determined to regain form ahead of the year's second Grand Slam.
