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Emma Raducanu succumbed to the big hitting of Danielle Collins in her tune-up for the French Open - Shutterstock / Chryslene Caillaud
Emma Raducanu suffered an injury scare ahead of the French Open as she was knocked out of the Internationaux de Strasbourg.
The 22-year-old left the court during the second set of her second-round encounter with American Danielle Collins for treatment on a back problem, though appeared to recover.
Having won the first set, Raducanu was 5-0 down when she called a medical timeout before returning to the court 10 minutes later.
Although she was able to finish the match, she went down to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 defeat to the world No 46.
With the French Open starting on Sunday, Raducanu will now have the problem fully assessed before travelling to Paris, though the way she competed hard in a tight third set suggests it was not too serious.
She accepted a wild card to enter the final warm-up tournament for Roland Garros in eastern France – not something she has usually done in the build-up to a grand slam.
The British No 2, who is chasing Katie Boulter as the highest-ranked Briton, started off well by winning the first set against the big-hitting American.
But her level immediately dropped and after walking through the fifth game, where she went 5-0 down, she left the court for lengthy treatment.
Collins quickly wrapped up the second set and there were fears she might also run away with the decider.
But to her credit, Raducanu fought hard and was primed to take a 3-1 lead but was unable to convert four break points.
With the match delicately poised at 3-3 after an exchange of breaks, Collins put her foot down to win the final three games as Raducanu fell away.
More to follow.
04:35 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-6, 3-6 Collins
Nice backhand return from Collins sees the American win the opening point. However, Raducanu gets to 15-15 after Collins nets her forehand.
The Briton then sprays a forehand return long and can do nothing about a clean backhand down the line from Collins at 30-15.
Raducanu saves the first match point with a brilliant forehand return but Collins wins the next point with a huge forehand!
American powers past Raducanu 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to reach quarter-finals in Strasbourg.
Game, set and match Danielle Collins!
Comeback complete
Danielle Collins powers past Emma Raducanu in Strasbourg pic.twitter.com/BjBNUINorg
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) May 21, 2025
04:33 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-6, 3-5 Collins*
Collins wins the opening point before Raducanu levels things up at 15-15.
The British No 2 jumps over a Collins second serve to edge ahead 15-30 but Collins levels up with a backhand winner.
Here we go, Collins is finding her rhythm to hold serve. The momentum is shifting in this match – Collins is looking at ease in Strasbourg.
04:31 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-6, 3-4 Collins
A couple of Raducanu errors bring Collins back into the game after falling 0-15 behind. The American then gets to 0-30 after closing out at the net following an attempted volley from Raducanu.
Break point for Collins after getting the better of the Raducanu’s serve and she breaks the British No 2 once again.
04:28 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-6, 3-3 Collins*
An extended rally sees Raducanu finish on top to go 0-15 ahead. The American goes big with her first serve to level thigns up at 15-15.
The British No 2 gets another break point after drawing an error from the American.. However, Collins saves the first break point with some aggressive play but then hits a forehand long to give Raudcanu a second opportunity.
However, then Raducanu makes an error. Deuce. A big forehand winner from Raducanu brings up her third break point and she takes it after putting away a backhand.
04:14 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-6, 2-3 Collins
The British No 2 goes 0-15 ahead after drawing an error from the Collins racket.
A lengthy exchanges sees Collins finish the point with a forehand winner to go 15-15.
The American then gets to 15-30 after an aggressive point and then 15-40 after Raducanu nets with her forehand return.
The first break point is saved with a forehand winner from Raducanu but Collins takes it on the second after finding a sublime backhand-cross that left the British No 2 scrambling.
04:11 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-6, 2-2 Collins*
A deep forehand winner sees Collins get to 15-15 which draws a big “come on” from the American.
Raducanu then wins the next point and responds with her own “come on”.
A huge forehand return winner sees Collins get to 30-40. The American then gets to deuce after drawing another error from Raducanu
A casual-looking backhand gives Raducanu advantage before Collins hits another return winner to get back to deuce.
Advantage Raducanu after a volley but then Collins throws in a double fault.
Raducanu then brings up a fifth deuce after some good court craft, finished off with a forehand volley.
Collins takes the game as Raducanu nets a backhand.
Huge hold from the American who saved four break points – a real missed opportunity from Raducanu.
03:59 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-6, 2-1 Collins
Raducanu races to a 30-0 lead after two good first serves set up the points nicely, Collins then gets on the board thanks to Raducanu netting her backhand return. The American gets to 30-30 before the British No 2 edges 40-30 after Raducanu sprays a forehand wide.
Brilliant play from Raducanu, who wins the next point to take the lead in this deciding set.
03:57 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-6, 1-1 Collins*
Raducanu misses a forehand down the line to fall 0-15 behind. However, Collins then throws in a forehand error of her own which brings the score to 15-15.
The American gets to 15-30 as Raducanu goes long with another forehand from the baseline. Some excellent footwork from Collins, gets to 15-40. The American seals the game with a stunning return winner.
03:54 PM BST
Third set: Raducanu* 6-4, 1-6, 1-0 Collins
A strong start from the British No 2 who edges ahead to 30-0 after two well-timed forehand winners.
Collins then gets back on the board to make it 15-30 after an aggressive backhand return – Raducanu had no chance.
However, the British No 2 responds to make it 15-40 with a good body serve – to take the first game of this third and final set.
There seems to be no trouble with her back, as the British No 2 is serving well.
03:46 PM BST
Second set verdict
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All a bit of a mess, that set, but the real worry was the physio SOS after game five. How serious is Raducanu’s back issue? She is playing on, but in the first game after the break, she looked to be trying to shorten the points.
03:43 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-6 Collins*
A positive start from Collins to make it 0-15 – with a backhand winner down the line.
The American follows up with another aggressive shot, this time on the forehand, to go 30-0 ahead.
Collins then pushed a backhand out as Raducanu gets on the board before a good first serve from Collins brings up set point for the American.
A brilliant turnaround from Collins who takes the second set in Strasbourg.
03:39 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-5 Collins
The British No 2 returns to court after her medical timeout. Raducanu gets to 30-0 after some clinical, aggressive tennis.
However, Collins gets it back to 15-30 after Raducanu nets her forehand return. The American goes long to make it 15-40 – and then Collins nets her backhand return. A superb response from Raducanu after clearly suffering with her back during this second set.
03:29 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 0-5 Collins*
The American edges to a 30-0 but Raducanu gets it back to 15-30, before the British No 2 nets her backhand return.
Just heard on commentary, that the physio has been called for the British No 2, who seems to suffering with her back.
Raducanu is still fighting – despite looking uncomfortable. However, the American take its to 15-40 with a superb forehand pass.
The British No 2 was outclassed with that shot. She goes off court with a medical timeout – seeking treatment on her back.
03:23 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 0-4 Collins
Raducanu’s level has slightly dropped in this second set, as she hits into the net for 15-30. Then another one and two more break points for Collins.
The British No 2 responds with a sublime backhand but Collins reads the next move, cross-court from the net, and sends a controlled winner into the wide open space for a break.
03:19 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 0-3 Collins*
Another two gruelling rallies goes Collins’ way – the American’s aggression just a bit too much for the Briton, who ends by finding the net both times for 15-30.
Raducanu goes long to make it 15-40. A wispy backhand from the Briton then goes wide and Collins is taking control of this second set.
03:17 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 0-2 Collins
Raducanu bends the ball superbly and finds the line for 30-30 but a fierce rally next up ends with British No 2 finding the net.
At 40-30, Collins produces a wonderful backhand pass that leaves Raducanu rooted to the spot, then forces the Briton wide at the back and her is return. Collins closes it off with minimum fuss.
03:12 PM BST
Second set: Raducanu 6-4, 0-1 Collins*
Collins, serving with new balls, goes 15-0 after Raducanu second-serve return sails wide.
The American then gets to 30-0 after some clinical, aggressive tennis. However, Raducanu gets on the board with a backhand winner down the line to make it 30-15.
Collins then comes out on top of an extended baseline exhange – to hold her serve and take the first game of the second set.
03:08 PM BST
First set verdict
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Hugely impressive composure from Raducanu in that first set in the face of a Collins barrage. Seventeen winners from the American, which would have disconcerted a lot of players – and probably even Raducanu herself in previous seasons. Her strong form of late, and the reassuring presence of coach Mark Petchey, has kept her on track so far.
03:05 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4 Collins
Aggressive play from the British No 2 to go 0-15. A forehand return winner sees Raducanu get to 30-0 and then another error from Collins sees Raducanu go 0-40.
The British No 2 seals the first set with an ace and is edging closer to the third round at Strasbourg.
03:01 PM BST
Raducanu 5-4 Collins*
Collins wins the opening point before the British No 2 levels up at 15-15 after a stunning forehand return.
However, the American gets to 15-30 after an aggressive backhand winner. The British No 2 levels up at 30-30 after Collins goes wide with her forehand.
Collins then gets to game point as Raducanu nets her backhand return. A forehand return down the line from Collins brings to deuce and then advantage Collins, as Raducanu forces a foreland long.
02:57 PM BST
Raducanu* 5-3 Collins
Collins misses a forehand down the line to fall 0-15 behind. The British No 2 then throws in a forehand error of her own which brings the score to 15-15.
Raducanu gets to 15-30 as Collins goes long with forehand from the baseline.
Some decent scrambling sees the Briton get to 15-40. Collins is trying to find some rhythm but Raducanu hits a stunning return winner.
02:53 PM BST
Raducanu 4-3 Collins*
Collins wins the opening point in a drawn out rally. The American, then gets to 30-0 after a beautifully timed forehand winner.
The American is finding her rhythm now and gets to 40-0 after Raducanu nets from the baseline.
Collins then gets to game point as Raducanu goes wide with her forehand return.
02:47 PM BST
Raducanu* 4-2 Collins
Raducanu goes 0-15 ahead after drawing an error from Collins. A lengthy exchange sees Collins finish the point with a forehand return to go 15-15.
The British No 2 gets to 15-30 after a sublime forehand and then 15-40 after another error from Collins.
Raducanu takes the game after finding a forehand-cross that left Collins scrambling.
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Looking towards the grass-court season, Emma Raducanu has been announced as a participant in the WTA event in Berlin that starts on June 16.
This may be a disappointment for the Lawn Tennis Association, given that Raducanu could have chosen to enter a domestic event in Nottingham in that same week. But Berlin is worth 500 ranking points to the winner, twice as many as Nottingham. And as a proficient mover on the grass, Raducanu has every right to make the most of the brief summer season.
She has already been named as part of the field for the LTA’s new event at London’s Queen’s Club, which brings women back to Queen’s for the first time since 1973, and starts a week before Berlin.
02:41 PM BST
Raducanu 3-2 Collins*
An aggressive return sets up the point nicely for Raducanu who goes 0-15 ahead as Collins’s backhand lands in the tramlines.
The American gets on the board with a backhand winner down the line before double faulting to give Raducanu two break points.
First one is saved by Collins who finds a strong serve, and so is the second after Raducanu sprays a forehand out.
Third break point for Raducanu, as Collins goes wide again from the baseline and this time Raducanu does get the break after Collins goes long again with her forehand.
Steady tennis from the Briton but she is getting the job done so far in Strasbourg.
02:36 PM BST
Raducanu*2-2 Collins
A Collins backhand lands in the tramlines, as the British No 2 goes 15-0 ahead. A brilliantly timed forehand from Raducanu, gets the British No 2 to 30-0.
Collins then gets on the board after a backhand winner down the line to make it 15-30. However, another quality shot from Raducanu and she reaches 40-15.
Raducanu seals the game with sublime forehand and holds her serve.
02:32 PM BST
Raducanu 1-2 Collins*
The British No 2 blinks first and goes long with her return to fall 0-14 behind. Raducanu then gets to 15-15 after a sublime backhand winner.
Collins gets to 30-15 after an aggressive backhand which Raducanu cannot return. The American edges ahead 4-15 after arrowing a backhand winner down the line.
The American is able to hold her serve and take the lead in this first set.
02:29 PM BST
Raducanu* 1-1 Collins
Raducanu comes out on top after Collins goes long with her forehand return to go 15-0. However, Raducanu’s nets a backhand to make it 15-15.
Collins comes out on top after an extended rally to go 30-15. Raducanu arrows a backhand winner down the line to make it 30-30.
The British No 2 goes long with her forehand to give Collins a break point. The American goes long with her return also, back to deuce.
A sublime forehand down the line from Raducanu brings up advantages and this time the British No 2 takes the opportunity to take the game.
02:21 PM BST
First set: Emma Raducanu 0-1 Danielle Collins* (*denotes server)
Raducanu races to a 30-0 lead thanks to a Collins double fault.. The American then gets on the board with two aggressive shots down the line to make it 30-30.
An early opportunity for Raducanu to break Collins’s serve, as she edges 40-30 ahead after the American sprays a forehand wide.
However, Collins begins to find her rhythm – playing aggressive, wins the next two points and is able to hold her serve at the first time of asking.
02:13 PM BST
And we’re off...
The players have finished warming up and the match has started on the Patrice Dominguez court, with Collins serving first...
02:10 PM BST
What is Raducanu’s current ranking?
Emma Raducanu was ranked No 80 in the world as of March 17 but her terrific performances in Miami ensured she moved backinto the top 50 and is at No 42 as of May 12. The British No 2’s career-high ranking was No 10, back in July 2022.
Last year, Raducanu won 20 of the 33 matches she played and ended the season ranked 59 in the world.
02:07 PM BST
Collins to serve first
Raducanu and Collins are on court and the American has won the toss and elected to serve first.
02:06 PM BST
Next up on the big stage
Raducanu and Collins are the third match today in the Patrice Dominguez court and are next on after Emma Navarro beat Anna Blinkova in straight sets.
02:00 PM BST
Raducanu ‘burnt by people she has trusted’
A few weeks ago, Raducanu said she is now like “Fort Knox” with regards to who she allows in her inner circle having been burnt by people she had trusted.
“I’m someone who keeps things to myself and it takes a lot for me to open up.I haven’t really opened up to many people in my life, truly, but the ones that I really trust, I do. And I think the thing is with me, once I let someone in, I let them in fully and I care for them so much, and I have been burnt a few times.”
“A few people who I’ve really trusted have surprised me, but I guess that’s life, and I still have some great people around me who I really trust, and I’m working on it. I mean, part of me doesn’t like talking too much about any problems, because it makes it into a bigger problem. So I think now I’m learning to just kind of accept the day as it comes and just choose discipline over how I feel.”
01:58 PM BST
How has Raducanu’s 2025 gone so far?
Emma Raducanu began her 2025 campaign at the Australian Open where she reached the third round, losing to Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
The British No 2 returned to action at the Singapore Open where she lost a three-hour battle to world No 101 Cristina Bucsa from Spain in the first round.
Further disappointing first-round losses followed in the space of a week, first in Abu Dhabi against former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and then to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Qatar.
Raducanu snapped out of a four-match losing streak with victory over Maria Sakkari in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships, only to fall to a straight-sets loss against Karolina Muchova in the next round, where she was targeted by a stalker.
The world No 43 returned to action at Indian Wells in March, losing in the first round to Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima before putting together a terrific run in Miami.
Raducanu pulled out of Great Britain’s team for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round with ties scheduled against Netherlands and Germany.
Her clay-court season began in Madrid, where she impressively recorded a straight-sets win over Suzan Lamens in the opening round before losing out to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in a competitive 6-4,2-6, 6-2 second-round match.
Raducanu beat Maya Joint, Jil Teichmann and Veronika Kudermetova before falling short against America’s Coco Gauff in the last 16 of the Italian Open in Rome.
01:50 PM BST
Tough test for Raducanu
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Emma Raducanu vs Danielle Collins in the round of 16 at the WTA Strasbourg.
Raducanu, currently ranked world No 43, stunned everyone by defeating the sixth seed and world No 17 Daria Kasatkina in straight sets in the opening round of the tournament on Monday.
The victory marked one of the best wins of Raducanu’s career, considering Kasatkina’s impressive track record as a former world No 8 and French Open semi-finalist.
“I’m proud of my performance,” Raducanu said after her 6-1, 6-3 win. “How I came out and I was really aggressive, and how I also maintained my focus in the second set when it was getting close, and Daria played some great points when I was trying to serve the match out.”
Asked whether she would rank this amongst her best clay-court performances to date, Raducanu replied: “I think I’ve been building towards this. It’s a great feeling. I think I had three great matches in Rome and in the fourth I played an opponent [Coco Gauff] who was better than me on the day.
Now, the British No 2 will face Danielle Collins, a fierce competitor known for her fiery on-court demeanour and controversial antics.
At this year’s Australian Open, Collins took on the crowd after beating home favourite Destanee Aiava in the second round. After her win, the American responded to vociferous booing by telling a fan to “shut up ” blowing kisses to the crowd and slapping her backside.
As the boos continued during her on-court interview, Collins said: “During the match I was like, while I’m out here I might as well take that big fat pay check.
“We love a five star vacation, so a big part of that will go towards that. “So thank you guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight. Thank you guys, love you.”
So, it will be a stern test for Raducanu this afternoon. This will be the first-ever meeting between both players and the match-up with Collins will be a tough assignment for the British No 2.
While her previous opponent, Kasatkina relies on her athleticism and defensive skills, Collins tries to bully opponents with aggressive hitting. Raducanu has done well against powerful opponents before but the American will enjoy the conditions in Strasbourg.
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