Emma Raducanu is set to play her first match since March when she steps onto court in the French city of Strasbourg.
Raducanu has seen her 2026 campaign hampered by a persistent viral illness, which has prevented the 23-year-old from competing throughout the majority of the clay-court swing.
The British star will hope to kick-start her 2026 campaign into life this week, as she prepares to compete in her first event with new coach Andrew Richardson.
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Raducanu’s chances of enjoying a deep run in Strasbourg have already been bolstered following the withdrawal of fifth seed and former Australian Open champion, Madison Keys.
Madison Keys withdraws from the Strasbourg Open
On Sunday, Madison Keys picked up an injury midway through the WTA 12J5 Trophee Clarins final against Diane Parry.
Keys was leading 6-3, 3-3 when she retired from the match, handing Parry the title.
The world number 19 has now taken the decision to withdraw from the Strasbourg Open.
“Unfortunately I have contracted a slight injury and made the decision to withdraw from the Strasbourg tournament to treat myself and be ready for Roland-Garros,” Keys said in a post on the Strasbourg Open’s Instagram page.
“I wish you a very nice week at the tournament and hope come back next year.”
Keys’ withdrawal has boosted Emma Raducanu’s chances of advancing to the latter stages in Strasbourg.
Raducanu, who is due to play wildcard Diane Parry in the first round, was projected to play fifth seed Madison Keys or Cristina Bucsa in the second round.
Shuai Zhang, ranked 74th on the WTA Tour, has replaced Keys in the draw as a lucky loser.
Raducanu is now projected to play Zhang or Bucsa – ranked 31st on the WTA Tour – in the second round.
How did Emma Raducanu perform at the 2025 Strasbourg Open?
At the 2025 Strasbourg Open, Emma Raducanu began her campaign by upsetting Australian sixth seed Daria Kasatkina in her opening match.
After beating Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3, Raducanu discussed her relationship with the clay surface.
“I’m really proud of my performance – I was very aggressive and I maintained my focus in the second set when it was getting close,” Raducanu said, as per BBC Sport.
Do you think Emma Raducanu’s stance is correct? 🤔
“I think I’ve been building towards this. It’s a great feeling.
“As I spend more time on clay I’m beginning to like it more and more. I’m building my relationship with the surface.”
Raducanu’s Strasbourg campaign came to an end in the next round, as she was defeated by Danielle Collins.
Collins, who was also unseeded, won 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 on the Patrice Dominguez Court.
Elena Rybakina won the 2025 Strasbourg Open, beating Liudmila Samsonova in the final, 6–1, 6–7, 6–1.
