Emma Raducanu has revealed that she has been struggling with back problems behind the scenes after picking up another injury in Strasbourg. The former US Open champion needed a medical timeout during the second set of her defeat to Danielle Collins in the second round. She eventually returned to the court but looked uncomfortable as she slipped to a 4-6 6-1 6-3 defeat.

Injuries have plagued Raducanu's career since her incredible Grand Slam triumph at Flushing Meadows back in 2021. Her latest problem has sparked concern ahead of next week's French Open, where she will be hoping to continue her impressive form on clay. A downbeat Raducanu offered a worrying update in her press conference after losing to Collins, explaining that she has been dealing with 'intense' back spasms for a long time.

"I felt it after the first round," she said. "Yesterday I just tried to manage it, like, I got treatment. I was pretty stiff and sore. I've had back problems before. At the start of the year I was out for a few months because of it.

"Yeah, it's annoying and it's frustrating. I get these spasms and they're quite intense and can last for a long time. I'll just try and make it better."

Raducanu be desperate to shake off the problem before travelling to Paris for the French Open, having enjoyed a productive clay season up to now.

She reached the fourth round of the Miami Open, eventually losing at the hands of runner-up Coco Gauff. The young Brit also excelled against Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg earlier this week, breaking every time her opponent served.

Speaking after that match, Raducanu said that she was finally getting to grips with the surface on which she is least comfortable.

"I think I've been building towards this," she explained. "I had three great matches in Rome and to bring that level here, I'm really proud.

"As I spend more time on clay I'm starting to like it more and more and building my relationship, let's say, with the surface."

Raducanu accepted a wildcard to play in Strasbourg in a bid to acclimatise to clay ahead of the French Open. It remains to be seen if her latest injury scare will throw a spanner in the works when it comes to performing at Roland Garros.