Emma Raducanu’s return to seeded status at a Grand Slam brings excitement and challenge. The British No. 1, ranked 28th for the Australian Open 2026, could meet world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round—a blockbuster prospect highlighting the tournament’s early drama. As Melbourne Park prepares for action from January 18 to February 1, Raducanu’s path underscores her resurgence while testing her against the elite.
Raducanu’s Route: Opportunity and Obstacle
Raducanu opens against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, a winnable matchup for the 23-year-old seeking consistency. Victory likely sets up a second-round encounter with Austria’s Anastasia Potapova or Dutch player Suzan Lamens.
The real spotlight falls on a potential third-round showdown with Sabalenka. The Belarusian, chasing a third Australian Open title in four years, starts against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka’s recent Brisbane International triumph reinforces her hard-court dominance.
Raducanu has shown capability against top players, pushing Sabalenka at Wimbledon 2025 before falling in straight sets. A Melbourne win would signal major progress since her 2021 US Open breakthrough, proving she can compete with the best on big stages.
This marks Raducanu’s first seeding since 2022, reflecting improved fitness and results over the past year.
British Players in the 2026 Australian Open
Seven Britons feature across singles draws:
| Player | Gender | Seeding/Ranking | First-Round Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Raducanu | Women | 28th | Mananchaya Sawangkaew (Thailand) |
| Katie Boulter | Women | Outside top 100 | Belinda Bencic (Switzerland, 10th) |
| Sonay Kartal | Women | – | Anna Kalinskaya (31st) |
| Francesca Jones | Women | – | Linda Klimovicova (Poland, qualifier) |
| Cameron Norrie | Men | 26th | Benjamin Bonzi (France) |
| Jacob Fearnley | Men | – | Kamil Majchrzak (Poland) |
| Arthur Fery | Men | Qualifier | Flavio Cobolli (Italy, 20th) |
Sabalenka’s Title Defence and Favourites
Sabalenka enters as top seed and favourite, fresh from Brisbane success. Her path avoids early threats, but defending champion Madison Keys—last year’s finalist beater—lurks in the draw.
Men’s top seeds include Jannik Sinner (defending champion) against Hugo Gaston, with potential semi-final against Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz opens versus Adam Walton.
Why This Draw Excites
Raducanu’s potential Sabalenka clash epitomises Grand Slam intrigue: rising star versus dominant force. British fans hope for deep runs, building on recent progress.
The Australian Open promises high-stakes tennis on Melbourne’s blue courts. Raducanu’s journey—balancing expectation with execution—captivates, offering chance to make a statement.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds. Raducanu’s seeded return signals resurgence; overcoming Sabalenka would announce her back among the elite.
