Emma Raducanu heads into the Australian Open 2026 with renewed seeding status but immediate hurdles. The British No. 1, ranked 29th and seeded 28th—her first major seeding since the 2022 US Open—faces a demanding first-round schedule. Placed second on Margaret Court Arena’s evening session Sunday, her match follows a men’s five-setter starting 7pm local time (8am GMT). This risks a midnight or later start, prompting Raducanu to critique the logic of scheduling women’s matches after potentially lengthy men’s encounters.
The Scheduling Debate
Raducanu arrived Melbourne Saturday after Hobart quarter-finals and flight delays, limiting practice. “It’s very difficult,” she said. “You would love more time in the environment.”
The placement—second after Alexander Bublik vs Jenson Brooksby—highlights ongoing concerns over late finishes. Past Opens saw matches end past 4am, drawing criticism for player welfare.
Raducanu questioned fairness: “It’s very difficult scheduling women’s matches after a potential five-set match. To me, it doesn’t really make sense.”
Sports scientists warn against romanticising late nights, citing recovery impacts. Raducanu, drawing from US Open semi-final experience, views it as adaptation practice: “It’s a new experience… a good learning step.”
Raducanu’s Opener and Potential Path
She faces Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew first. Victory likely meets Anastasia Potapova or Suzan Lamens. A third-round clash with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka looms if seeds hold—Sabalenka starts against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
Sabalenka’s Brisbane title reinforces her favourite status for a third Melbourne crown in four years.
Preparation and Form Context
A foot injury curtailed off-season technical work with coach Francisco Roig (Rafael Nadal collaborator). Recent matches showed tentativeness, including a Hobart loss to world No. 204 Taylah Preston.
Raducanu remains pragmatic: “I haven’t taken recent results too seriously… I’m working my way into it.” Her 2025 progress—top-30 return, most matches played—builds confidence.
British Contingent at Australian Open 2026
Seven Britons compete:
| Player | Seeding | First Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Raducanu | 28 | Mananchaya Sawangkaew |
| Cameron Norrie | 26 | Benjamin Bonzi |
| Katie Boulter | – | Belinda Bencic (10) |
| Sonay Kartal | – | Anna Kalinskaya (31) |
| Francesca Jones | – | Linda Klimovicova (qualifier) |
| Jacob Fearnley | – | Kamil Majchrzak |
| Arthur Fery | Qualifier | Flavio Cobolli (20) |
Norrie carries strongest medal hopes; qualifiers Fery and others add depth.
Tournament Outlook
The Australian Open runs January 18-February 1 at Melbourne Park. Defending champions Jannik Sinner (men) and Madison Keys (women) headline.
Raducanu’s draw tests resilience early. Overcoming schedule and form challenges could spark a deep run, signalling sustained comeback.
Her measured response—focusing on controllables—reflects maturity. As play begins, Raducanu aims to thrive under lights, turning potential disadvantage into opportunity.
This opening matchup sets the tone for Britain’s campaign. Raducanu’s performance will captivate, blending talent with determination in pursuit of Grand Slam statement.
