Emma Raducanu is gearing up for the 2026 Australian Open, seeking to make a strong return. The 23-year-old British tennis star enters the tournament ranked 28th. Raducanu will not face another seeded player until the third round, an advantage given her current participation at the Hobart International.
Key Facts About Raducanu’s Australian Open Journey
The Australian Open is known for attracting top competitors, and Raducanu’s past success at the 2021 US Open continues to inspire many. Aspiring players are aiming to replicate her remarkable achievement, which came when she was just a teenager.
Potential Challenging Opponents
While Raducanu may have a theoretically easier draw at the start, there are several opponents she hopes to avoid.
- Sloane Stephens: The only Grand Slam champion currently navigating the qualifiers, the 32-year-old won the US Open in 2017. She is currently ranked No. 1098, a steep drop due to injuries. Overcoming early qualifying rounds, she faces Olivia Gadecki next.
- Katie Boulter: Another British player, Boulter has transitioned into the main draw after some initial confusion regarding her position. Previously seeded No. 22 at the last Australian Open, she can pose a substantial threat despite her recent injuries and ranking drop.
- Anastasia Zakharova: The 23-year-old Russian, who qualified for the main draw after another player’s withdrawal, has reached a career-high ranking of No. 79. She has achieved notable success on the ITF circuit and showed promise at major tournaments, including a win over a top-30 player last year.
As the Australian Open approaches, Raducanu aims to start the New Year positively. With her determination and past achievements, she remains focused on making a significant impact in Melbourne.
