Fragile Raducanu returns to Paris after three-year gap

Emma Raducanu will make her return to the French Open after last competing at the event for her first and only time in 2022.

In the wake of her improbable US Open title as a qualifier the previous autumn, the Brit was seeded 12th, losing after winning her opening round at Roland Garros.

Since then, the 22-year-old has ridden a roller-coaster of frequent injuries, serial sacking of coaches and a distinct lack of decent results.

Raducanu might be finally pulling it together after reaching the fourth round in Rome this month, her major clay tuneup result.

“It’s been three years since I was last here, I’m still getting my bearings. There’s been a few (Layout) changes. I’m still trying to figure my way around the site and changing rooms and everything,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself on the clay here.”

While her heart might be eager to compete, it’s not quite the same physically for the Brit, who is currently suffering back problems.

“It’s not feeling 100 per cent,” the No. 43 confessed on Saturday. “I had a spasm (this week) in Strasbourg, and I’m just been trying to manage it.

“I’ve been on the practice court last night and this morning. It felt okay, but

obviously it’s different playing a match. I’m trying to do everything to get up to speed as fast as possible.”

Raducanu added: “Most days you do feel sore somewhere in terms of just muscular, but we all know the feeling and just keep going.

“It (injury) doesn’t really affect us, but when it gets to the point when you’re completely unable to execute shots or any movements and you’re not able to try, it’s very difficult to keep playing.

“But no one really wants to pull out of a match ever.”

The Briton will start in the first round against No. 42 Chinese Wang Xinyu.