Emma Raducanu is out of the Strasbourg Open, having impressed despite a three-set loss to Danielle Collins.
Her performance of the tournament came in the first round where she felled the sixth seed Daria Kasatkina, and there was real hope that she would be able to repeat such a feat against the American.
However, despite grinding into a one-set lead, and bringing up plenty of break points in the third, the world number 43 just could not take her chances.
She will now look ahead to the French Open following a solid showing which allowed her to get more crucial match play on the clay.
Danielle Collins rates Emma Raducanu’s performance in Strasbourg
It really was a confusing match to follow, given how solid Emma Raducanu started, then how Collins roared back in the second, and finally how tight the third set remained.
Despite the 2021 US Open champion continually challenging the serve of her opponent, her impressive break point conversion rate failed to show itself throughout.
Collins, speaking on her on-court interview immediately after the match, replied when asked if she prefers an easier or harder match: ‘I think it is more rewarding when you play a tough match vs one which was easy and a lot of times if you win easy it’s just about how badly the other player played. It’s better if it can be a little bit close to come out with these wins.’
Then asked about Raducanu specifically, who certainly put up a challenge, she continued: ‘I knew playing Emma I would have to play my aggressive game style. And the more 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 kept going after it.’
Emma Raducanu prepares to return to Roland Garros
Shockingly enough, this will mark just the second time that Raducanu will have ever played at the French Open after her second-round run in 2022.
Opting to skip the qualifying last year drew mass scrutiny, but the Brit somewhat silenced those doubters with three strong showings during the grass season.
However, 2025 has seen the 22-year-old enjoy a fitness she has been lacking in recent years, featuring in both Madrid and Rome before taking a late wild card to play in Strasbourg.
She will be hoping that the added minutes on the French clay can pay dividends in the capital.
Having beaten Daria Kasatkina, the number six seed, in the opening round, confidence should be at an all-time high.
Raducanu explained her relationship with clay ahead of Roland Garros following that win earlier this week.
