“I’m really scared of them” – Emma Raducanu confronts her ‘biggest phobia’ to treat concerning injury ahead of French Open
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has confronted her “biggest phobia” of needles to treat a concerning back injury ahead of her French Open first-round match against China’s Wang Xinyu on May 26, 2025, at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old Briton, ranked No. 43, suffered a back spasm during her Strasbourg Open loss to Danielle Collins on May 21, 2025, prompting fears about her participation (The Guardian, May 21, 2025). By embracing acupuncture and dry needling despite her trypanophobia, Raducanu’s resilience mirrors the mental fortitude of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, whose romantic bond thrives amid tennis pressures (Sportskeeda, May 25, 2025).
Raducanu’s back issue, which flared up at 5-0 down in the second set against Collins, required a 10-minute medical timeout but didn’t prevent her from fighting to 3-3 in the third set (The Independent, May 21, 2025). “It’s not feeling 100%,” she admitted, noting the injury resembles one before the 2025 Australian Open but was caught early (ESPN, May 24, 2025). “At the start of the year, I was so scared of needles. It was my biggest phobia,” she told reporters, explaining how necessity for Australia forced her to try needling (BBC Sport, May 24, 2025). “I’ve been dipping my toes into it because I know it helps” (The Telegraph, May 24, 2025).
Clay courts exacerbate her back issues, with similar problems in 2022 and 2024 due to high bounces and long rallies (ESPN, May 24, 2025). Despite this, Raducanu’s 2025 clay season—eight wins, including a top-20 victory over Daria Kasatkina—shows progress (BBC Sport, May 19, 2025). Her needle phobia also complicates anti-doping blood tests, which she likened to “pin the donkey” at 6 a.m. (Express.co.uk, May 24, 2025). X posts, like @MSports_all, highlight her courage: “Raducanu battling needle phobia is inspiring” (X, May 24, 2025).
Facing a tough draw with a potential Iga Swiatek second-round clash, Raducanu’s determination, akin to Tsitsipas and Badosa’s mutual support, fuels her Roland Garros bid (Sportskeeda, May 25, 2025). Her fight against fear and injury underscores a champion’s grit.
