Emma Raducanu was beaten by Danielle Collins in their second round match at the WTA 500 tournament in Strasbourg.
Raducanu and Collins have been impressing on clay in recent weeks, leading up to the two former top 10 players facing one another.
Despite the Brit winning the opening set, it was Collins who then took the initiative to win the match, 4-6 6-1 6-3.
The match was not absent from controversy, as Collins called out the cameraman during one of the changeovers.
Emma Raducanu says what she thinks of Danielle Collins’ behaviour
Collins is one of the more vocal players on the WTA Tour, and has previously received criticism for some of her on-court behaviour.
While she was relatively subdued during the first two sets against Raducanu, Collins became more animated during the crucial deciding set.
This is something that Raducanu was asked about in her post-match press conference, but it appears that the 2021 US Open champion was not put off by her opponent.
Raducanu also revealed that she and Collins have previously spoken away from the matchcourt, but suggested that the dynamic shifts once they step on it.
“For me I don’t mind it. It’s just competition,” said Raducanu. “We are trying to fight for each point. I kind of expect it from her as well. Off the court we are both cool. We can talk and have conversations but on the court we are both trying to win.
“I don’t think that gets to my head, which is a good thing. It could maybe affect other players but I felt pretty good.”
Emma Raducanu reveals what she spoke to Danielle Collins about during the match
Raducanu took a medical timeout during the latter stages of the second set, appearing to be dealing with a back problem that has previously hampered her.
The 22-year-old did not sit down during changeovers after that medical timeout and was seen conversing with Collins during the third set.
When probed over what her conversation with Collins entailed, Raducanu revealed that they were discussing what the American had said to the cameraman.
“I was standing up because I did not want to sit down in the third set because of my back,” explained Raducanu.
“I was staying standing because it was a bit more comfortable and then she came to fill her bottle up and was just saying how the cameraman was really close and felt a bit inappropriate but that is all she was saying.”
Collins will now play Anna Kalinskaya in the Strasbourg quarter-finals, while Raducanu will be hoping to recover from any injury concerns as she heads to Paris for Roland Garros.
Both players will likely have a keen eye on the French capital, with the Roland Garros draw taking place on Thursday, May 22.
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