'It can be frustrating': Emma Raducanu opens up on injury setbacks ahead of Queen's Club Championship

Emma Raducanu’s on-court performances this season have been a mixed bag, but now her off-court issues are starting to take centre stage as well. The 22-year-old recently shared news about suffering from a back injury.

The confession came in the aftermath of her untimely exit from the French Open, where she lost in the second round to then-defending champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-2. Raducanu has now turned her attention to the grass-court season as she started preparations for the third Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon.

Raducanu has recently spoken to TNT Sports, where she discussed in detail the challenges of dealing with a back injury. The former US Open winner stated that she is trying to put her fitness struggles behind her and prepare for the upcoming Queen’s Club Championship.

"I got back last week and then I got straight back on the court," she said. "I had a small interruption with a bit of a back spasm again, which was a bit annoying and that hindered my grass prep. But the last few days I have managed to get on the grass. It can be frustrating. I try not to let it get to me because I have a pretty good feel when it happens of how to manage it. All I can do is deal with what’s in front of me. Today was the first day I opened it up and played points on the grass. It is pretty early days and I can’t say I have had a lot of prep on it. But I felt pretty good today."

Raducanu has made an unexpected decision ahead of the historic edition of the Queen’s Club Championship, where, for the first time, the women’s event will be organised at the same time as the men’s. The Toronto-born will feature in the doubles category as well as singles. She will partner with fellow countrywoman Katie Boulter. Talking about it, Raducanu explained the reason behind making that call. "Playing a doubles match with Katie will hopefully give me a good feel for that surface and it will be positive," said. "I really like playing with Katie. We’ve practised a few times together in the past at Billie Jean King Cup ties."