Emma sees the point in needles despite phobia

EMMA Raducanu says her back problem is still “not 100 per cent” ahead of her first-round appearance at the French Open.

- 

The British number two had a back spasm while playing in Strasbourg on Wednesday, a similar injury to one she suffered before the Australian Open in January.

Raducanu has been undergoing treatment including acupuncture to ease the problem - despite having a phobia of needles.

“Yeah, it's not feeling 100 per cent,” she said. “I had a spasm in Strasbourg, and just been trying to manage it as best I can, doing treatment.

“I've been on the practice court. It felt OK, but obviously it’s different playing a match. I’m trying to do everything to get up to speed as fast as possible.

“I would say the one before Australia was worse. I feel like this one I kind of caught before it fully locked up.