Emma Raducanu was defeated 6-4 7-6 (7-4) by France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the Internationaux de Strasbourg on Tuesday, in her first clay-court match of 2026.
The match marked Raducanu’s return to the WTA Tour after more than two months out with a post-viral illness. The former US Open champion had accepted a late replacement spot at the WTA 500 event and travelled with Andrew Richardson, the coach who famously guided her to the 2021 US Open title after reuniting with him this season.
Parry arrived in Strasbourg on the back of a WTA 125 title in Paris, where Madison Keys retired in the final. The French No.4 wore heavy strapping on her left thigh and at times looked fatigued from recent travel, but she produced the cleaner moments in a fluctuating contest to upset the British No.1.
Raducanu, who has slipped to No.37 in the world, began brightly and broke to lead 4-2 in the first set. That advantage was short-lived: Raducanu committed a series of double faults late in the set, and a powerful Parry forehand helped secure a third consecutive break that allowed Parry to serve for the set. Parry, ranked 94th, fended off break points and closed out the opener in 56 minutes.
In the second set Raducanu again moved ahead to 4-2 but surrendered the immediate break. Double faults continued to plague the British player — she would commit eight in the match — yet she rallied to force a 5-5 scoreline after denying Parry a chance to serve it out. The match featured multiple service breaks and high drama before it went to a tie-break, where Parry capitalised on a couple of Raducanu errors to seal the victory 7-4 in the breaker.
The win also avenged Parry’s 2024 loss to Raducanu in a Billie Jean King Cup qualifying rubber. Raducanu now heads into the French Open, which begins on May 24, having played only one competitive clay match this season.
Raducanu said she was “grateful to have reconnected with someone who has known me for over a decade now and looking forward to building together one iteration at a time” after reuniting with Richardson. Former British No.1 Tim Henman welcomed the move, praising the value of continuity and trust: “I think it’s great that Andrew is back to support Emma… I hope it lasts a bit longer.” Laura Robson echoed that view, suggesting a familiar voice could help Raducanu as she recovers fitness and form following illness.
Recent results for Raducanu this season include: Indian Wells – third round; Dubai – first round; Qatar Open – first round; Transylvania Open – runner-up; Internationaux de Strasbourg – first round.
Separately, Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Ecuador on September 19–20 will be staged at London’s Copper Box Arena. Captain Leon Smith said he was looking forward to a home tie and the special atmosphere a home crowd can bring as Britain aims for a place in the Final 8.