Emma Raducanu exited the Internationaux de Strasbourg after a 6-4, 7-6(7‑4) loss to French qualifier Diane Parry, her first clay outing of 2026 and comeback match following a post‑viral hiatus. The former US Open champion, now ranked 37th, struggled with a mounting double‑fault count and a drying court that favored Parry’s power.

Parry, fresh from a Clarins WTA 125 title in Paris, entered the match wearing heavy thigh strapping and appearing fatigued by travel. Raducanu opened with a 4‑2 break, but Parry seized momentum, securing three consecutive breaks before edging the second set in a 56‑minute tiebreak. The result drops Raducanu one step further from the top spot and leaves her with only one clay‑court match before the French Open.

Andrew Richardson rejoined Raducanu’s camp, a move praised by former No 1 Tim Henman for restoring continuity. With the French Open looming, the loss underscores Raducanu’s need to sharpen clay‑court instincts before the Grand Slam, while Parry capitalises on the opportunity to cement her place in the top 100.