Emma Raducanu loses on return from illness ahead of French Open

19 May 2026 • 7:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Emma Raducanu loses on return from illness ahead of French Open

  • Emma Raducanu was narrowly defeated on Tuesday by Frenchwoman Diane Parry in her first match in two months at the WTA 500 tournament in Strasbourg, losing 6-4, 7-6(4).
  • The British No 1 was playing her first tournament since Indian Wells in March, having recovered from a viral illness, and this marked her maiden clay-court appearance of the season.
  • The match was a lengthy and topsy-turvy encounter lasting two hours and 25 minutes, with Raducanu struggling with her serve at crucial moments.
  • Raducanu was accompanied by her reinstated coach, Andrew Richardson, who previously guided her to her US Open triumph in 2021.
  • Despite the straight-sets loss, Raducanu's fitness held up well, indicating a positive display ahead of the French Open, which starts this weekend, though she remains short of match practice.

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