Raducanu returns in Strasbourg loss to Diane Parry

Emma Raducanu’s return to competition after a two-month absence ended in a narrow straight-sets defeat to French wildcard Diane Parry at the WTA 500 tournament in Strasbourg on Monday. The British player, competing in her first match since March, lost 6-4, 7-6(4) in a contest lasting two hours and 25 minutes.

The match was Raducanu’s first on clay this season and her initial tournament alongside reinstated coach Andrew Richardson, who guided her to the 2021 US Open title. Despite the loss, the 23-year-old showed no apparent physical issues following a spring hampered by a viral illness that caused withdrawals from events in Madrid, Rome, and elsewhere.

Raducanu’s path in Strasbourg had opened up before the tournament began with the withdrawal of fifth seed Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion. Keys cited a slight injury, stating she withdrew to be ready for Roland Garros. Her exit meant Raducanu avoided facing a seeded player until at least the third round.

The contest against Parry, ranked 94th, was a tight and fluctuating battle. Raducanu led 4-2 in the first set before Parry rallied to take it. The second set saw further momentum swings, with Raducanu fighting back...