The National Times - Raducanu has low expectations as back injury mars Queen's bid

Raducanu suffered a French Open second round thrashing against Iga Swiatek in her most recent match and remains hindered by the back spasms that have troubled her throughout this year.

The British star is set to play on home turf in the first WTA event at Queen's since 1973 this coming week.

But with action at Wimbledon scheduled to start on June 30, the injury-plagued Raducanu is playing down her chances during the grass-court season.

"I got back from Paris last week and then I got straight back on the court," Raducanu told reporters on Sunday.

"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.

"I can't really predict the future. I know I have been managing my back for the last few weeks now and it's something that comes and goes.

"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."

British number two Raducanu, who is ranked 41st in the world, was dismantled 6-1, 6-2 by Swiatek on the clay at Roland Garros.

If she can overcome a first round tie against a qualifier at Queen's, she could face another daunting test against current Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the second round.

"Of course you want to win this tournament, like every tournament, but especially when it's at home," said Raducanu, who won the US Open aged 18 in 2021.

"But my expectations are pretty low, because I played points for the first time today, and I've had maybe two or three days on the grass courts, so it's not been much.

"I just have to take it as it goes. I know that I'm doing what I can, and I've dealt with everything as best as I can."

A.M.Owen--TNT