Emma Raducanu is playing her first French Open since 2022 after missing the past two tournaments through injury Emma Raducanu says overcoming her "biggest phobia" - a fear of needles - is helping ensure she is fully fit for her French Open return. The British number two suffered a back spasm at a warm-up tournament in Strasbourg earlier this week and has been "managing" the issue during practices at Roland Garros. "It feels OK, it feels good, not 100% yet, but we're working towards that. I still have a couple of days," Raducanu told BBC Sport. The 22-year-old, who suffered a similar issue before this year's Australian Open, says dry needling and heat therapy has been helping ease the issue. Despite the discomfort, Raducanu feels ready to play China's Wang Xinyu in Monday's first round at Roland Garros. "I would say the one before Australia was worse. I feel like this one I kind of caught before it fully locked up," said the 43rd-ranked Briton, who reached the second round in her only previous French Open appearance three years ago. "At the start of the year I was so scared of needles. It was my biggest phobia. That was the only way I was going to be able to play Australia. "Since then, I've been kind of dipping my toes into it because I know it helps even though I'm really scared of them. That's how I've kind of been trying to manage it." Having made her comeback from wrist and ankle surgeries in April 2023, Raducanu has made solid progress this year, climbing back into the world's top 50 after dropping out of the top 300 last year. The 2021 US Open champion has played more tournaments in the opening five months of this season than ever before. But Raducanu said clay courts - which place more strain on the lower back because of the longer rallies and higher bouncing balls - exacerbate her back problems. Increased resilience has been a key factor in her improvement this season, although she is unwilling to place herself at further risk. Listening to her body - and not her former coaches - is something she has placed greater emphasis on since returning from missing the majority of the 2023 campaign. "I just kept pushing through because people were telling me I wasn't tough enough, like I need to just work through it," added Raducanu. "Like it's normal I'm feeling fatigued because I'm training so much, when in reality I knew there was pain, and I knew it kind of felt more than just soreness. "I wish I would have listened to myself sooner. I would have saved myself maybe like eight months, 12 months of struggling, but I guess I can learn from that." Raducanu's climb back into the top 50 has put her in a three-way tussle with Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal for the British number one ranking. Boulter has been the nation's leading women's player for almost two years, reinforcing her status by winning a clay-court title on the second-tier WTA 125 tour last week. The victory moved the 28-year-old up to 38th in the world, five places above Raducanu and 15 ahead of the 23-year-old Kartal. "I want to see Emma and Sonay, and anyone else, pushing me in the rankings," said Boulter. "My primary focus is going to be on myself. I take being British number one as a privilege, but at the same time it's not my goal. "It's not something that I want to put down on a piece of paper and say that I've been that for 10 years." Earning a first career win in the French Open main draw would boost Boulter's chances of retaining the position. Drawing French qualifier Carole Monnet - ranked 227th - represents a golden chance to reach the second round. Boulter warmed up for Roland Garros by winning her first career clay-court title at the WTA 125 event in Paris Kartal is making her French Open main-draw debut after a sharp rise over the past year. Twelve months ago, she was ranked 278th, having recovered from an unspecified illness which prompted fears over her career, and then picked up an injury on her return to court. Now Kartal is on the verge of the top 50, although the chance to accumulate significant ranking points at Roland Garros could be hampered by a potential second-round match against 2022 runner-up Coco Gauff. "I love the clay, I grew up playing on it," said Kartal, who opens up against Russia's Erika Andreeva. "For me, I feel comfortable on these courts. I think they suit me really well." The trio are joined in the women's singles by British number seven Jodie Burrage, who is making her main-draw debut using a protected ranking. The 25-year-old missed the tournament last year after rupturing an ankle ligament chasing down a drop-shot in practice. Burrage said receiving a photo reminder on her phone this week, which showed her wearing a protective boot, has provided a timely boost before a tough test against American former world number seven Danielle Collins. "I needed that reminder - I didn't have an amazing practice yesterday but then I was reminded that I was sat on my couch with my foot in a boot on crutches this time last year," she said on Saturday.
Raducanu 'not 100%' but fights needle phobia for French Open test
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Emma Raducanu Returns to French Open Amid Injury Management and Needle Phobia"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu is set to make her return to the French Open for the first time since 2022, having missed the last two tournaments due to injury. The British tennis player has recently been dealing with a back spasm that occurred during a warm-up tournament in Strasbourg. Despite this setback, Raducanu is optimistic about her condition, stating that while she is not yet at 100%, she is actively managing her injury and feels prepared to face China's Wang Xinyu in the first round at Roland Garros. She has been utilizing techniques such as dry needling and heat therapy to alleviate her discomfort, emphasizing her determination to overcome her fear of needles, which previously hindered her ability to receive necessary treatments. Raducanu noted that she feels she caught this injury early, in contrast to a more severe issue she faced before the Australian Open earlier this year.
In addition to her physical challenges, Raducanu has made significant progress in her career, climbing back into the top 50 after struggling with injuries that had dropped her out of the top 300. She has participated in more tournaments in the first five months of this season than ever before, showcasing her resilience and commitment to the sport. However, she acknowledges that playing on clay courts can exacerbate her back issues due to the nature of the surface. Raducanu has also reflected on her past experiences, expressing a desire to listen more to her body rather than external pressures regarding her toughness. Meanwhile, the competition for the British number one ranking remains close, with Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal also vying for the top spot. Boulter, currently leading the rankings, recently won a clay-court title and is looking to maintain her position, while Kartal is making her French Open debut after a remarkable rise in the rankings over the past year. Raducanu's journey back to form and her upcoming matches at Roland Garros will be closely watched as she aims to make a significant impact in the tournament.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Emma Raducanu's recent statements regarding her preparation for the French Open highlight her ongoing struggles with injury and personal challenges. The article emphasizes her determination to overcome a significant fear while managing physical issues that have previously hindered her performance. This narrative serves multiple purposes, from showcasing her resilience to maintaining public interest in her career.
Injury Management and Phobia Overcoming
Raducanu's admission of battling a needle phobia illustrates her commitment to her sport. The article notes that she has been utilizing dry needling and heat therapy to address her back spasm. This vulnerability humanizes her, potentially garnering sympathy and support from fans while reinforcing the narrative of an athlete who is striving to overcome both mental and physical hurdles.
Public Perception and Athlete Resilience
By sharing her experiences, Raducanu aims to connect with a broader audience, particularly those who may face their own fears or challenges. The portrayal of her efforts to confront her phobia could inspire others, particularly young athletes and fans who resonate with her story. The language used is candid and relatable, which seeks to create a positive image of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Potential Concealment of Deeper Issues
While the article focuses on Raducanu's determination and current fitness level, it may obscure the ongoing nature of her injury struggles. The mention of previous injuries and her cautious approach to returning to full fitness suggests that there may be underlying concerns about her long-term health and career sustainability. This aspect is crucial as it raises questions about the pressures athletes face to perform despite physical limitations.
Manipulation and Trustworthiness
The overall tone of the article is supportive and encouraging, with a low likelihood of manipulative intent. However, the framing of her struggles may inadvertently lead to a narrative that downplays the seriousness of her injuries. The article's focus on her mental fortitude rather than a deeper exploration of her physical conditions could lead to an incomplete understanding of her situation.
Impact on Public Sentiment and Community Support
Raducanu’s journey is likely to resonate particularly with younger audiences and those within sports communities who admire athletes’ resilience. The article fosters a sense of community support around her, which may lead to increased fan engagement and attendance at her matches.
Broader Implications on Sports Economy
As a public figure, Raducanu's performance can significantly influence market dynamics, particularly in sectors related to sports, endorsements, and merchandise. If her performance at the French Open is successful, it could enhance her marketability and lead to increased investment in her brand. Conversely, continued injury issues might deter sponsors or diminish public interest.
Relevance to Current Events
This article does not directly engage with broader geopolitical issues or current events outside the realm of sports. However, Raducanu's narrative of overcoming personal challenges mirrors larger societal themes of resilience and mental health awareness, which are highly relevant in today's discourse.
In conclusion, this article reflects a thoughtful portrayal of Emma Raducanu's journey, emphasizing her mental and physical battles while inviting public empathy and support. Its trustworthiness is bolstered by her candidness, though it may simplify the complexities of her ongoing health issues.