Emma Raducanu’s return to competition for the first time in more than two months ended in a frustrating defeat as she fought hard but failed to convert a string of early opportunities, eventually falling 6-4, 7-6 (4) to France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the Strasbourg Open.

This was an unsurprising result for Raducanu, who now faces the challenge of regaining her rhythm, form and confidence after not competing since her loss to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells in early March. She was outplayed here by a talented and accomplished clay-courter in Parry, the world No 94, who dominated with her forehand while effectively using her variation to keep Raducanu uncomfortable.

Raducanu, who has fallen slightly to No 37 in the WTA rankings, had been on the sidelines due to post-viral illness, with her symptoms dating back to the virus she struggled with in February during the Middle East swing. She had considered returning to competition at the Italian Open two weeks ago but, after training on-site, she chose to withdraw.

This week also marks her first tournament since rehiring Andrew Richardson as her coach after spending a few weeks with Richardson training on clay at the Ferrer academy in La Nucia, Spain, his previous base, during the early stages of her recovery. Richardson was vocal throughout the match from Raducanu’s player box on the corner of the court, feeding his charge with a steady stream of strategic advice and encouragement.

The last time Richardson and Raducanu were together on a match court, the pair were holding the US Open trophy on Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2021 after combining to pull off one of the most remarkable, shocking results in the history of the sport despite working together for less than two months. There will be no instant, magic resolution this time. The biggest question surrounding Raducanu for the next few months is whether the pair can work together consistently over an extended period, competing and training without issue. So much of her career has been disrupted by her numerous physical issues and a lack of continuity within her coaching setup.

Still, Raducanu had her chances. She established a 4-2 lead in both sets before she was punished for her poor serving throughout the match. After losing four games in a row to fall in the opening set, Raducanu lost three in a row to trail Parry 5-4 in set two.

With the match hanging in the balance, Raducanu fought well. Parry served for the match at 6-4, 5-4, establishing a 30-0 lead, before Raducanu pulled herself back into the match by gutsily forcing herself inside the baseline and taking her forehand early. Then, after losing her serve in a bruising, extended service game, Raducanu recovered to force a tie-break.

While Raducanu served poorly, Parry is a talented and completely unique player armed with a sweet, heavy top-spin forehand and ample variety. Parry was first known as one of the few top 100 WTA players with a single-handed backhand, but she now curiously employs a dual backhand, often returning serve with a two-hander and using her left hand when most convenient.

Parry’s clay-court expertise exposed the difference between the two players in the tight moments, with Parry dragging Raducanu off the court with angles and keeping the ball out of the Briton’s strike zone. Despite her difficulties in the final stages, she closed out a well-deserved victory in straight sets.