Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open campaign came to a disappointing end in the second round as the British number one delivered a subdued performance in a straight-sets defeat to Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in Melbourne.
Raducanu, seeded 28th, was beaten 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 by the world number 55, a result that denied her a highly anticipated third-round clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The loss exposed lingering rust in Raducanu’s game as she continues to rebuild momentum following an injury-disrupted off-season.
Flat Performance Ends Raducanu’s Melbourne Run
The 23-year-old former US Open champion looked out of sorts throughout the match, struggling with her movement, confidence, and shot selection. Errors crept into every area of her game, and her body language reflected frustration as she failed to find rhythm against a determined Potapova.
Raducanu’s forehand, which she has recently adjusted technically, lacked conviction, while key moments slipped away due to costly mistakes. A misjudged drive volley during a crucial stage of the opening set and a double fault early in the second set — which handed Potapova a decisive break — proved particularly damaging.
First-Set Opportunities Slip Away
The opening set was scrappy and error-strewn from both players, with five breaks of serve occurring early on. Raducanu eventually gained a foothold and appeared poised to take control when she served for the set at 5-4.
However, Potapova broke back under pressure and went on to dominate the tiebreak, capitalizing on Raducanu’s hesitancy to close out points. The Austrian’s composure in key moments contrasted sharply with Raducanu’s uncertainty.
Potapova Takes Control in Second Set
After taking a lengthy medical timeout at the end of the first set, Potapova returned with renewed focus and intensity. She raced into a 3-0 lead in the second set, breaking Raducanu twice as the Briton continued to struggle with consistency.
Although the players briefly exchanged breaks, Potapova soon asserted full control of the contest. Raducanu, visibly subdued, was unable to shift momentum as Potapova cruised through the final games to seal victory in just over 90 minutes.
Injury-Disrupted Preparation a Key Factor
This was Raducanu’s first Grand Slam appearance as a seeded player in more than three years, but her preparation for the tournament was far from ideal. A foot injury disrupted her off-season training schedule, and she did not return to full hitting sessions until 20 December, leaving her short of match sharpness.
While she showed improvement in a first-round win over world number 197 Mananchaya Sawangkaew, Raducanu appeared undercooked against a more battle-hardened opponent in Potapova.
Reality Check Ahead of Season Goals
Much of the attention ahead of the match had centered on the possibility of Raducanu facing defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Instead, this early exit served as a sobering reminder of the gap that still exists between Raducanu’s current level and the elite of women’s tennis.
As she continues to rebuild confidence and physical resilience, consistency remains the key challenge for the British star.
British Interest Also Ends in Men’s Draw
It was also a disappointing day for British tennis in the men’s singles. Qualifier Arthur Fery was eliminated in the second round, losing 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, 6-3 to Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Despite the early exit, the Australian Open remains an important stepping stone in Raducanu’s gradual comeback. With a full season ahead and fitness still improving, she will look to regain confidence and rhythm during the upcoming hard-court swing.
However, her performance in Melbourne underlined the need for patience as she continues to navigate life on tour following injury setbacks and technical adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Raducanu exited the Australian Open in the second round, losing in straight sets to Anastasia Potapova
- The British number one struggled with confidence, movement, and consistency
- An injury-affected off-season limited her preparation
- The defeat denied Raducanu a potential meeting with world number one Aryna Sabalenka
- British qualifier Arthur Fery was also eliminated from the men’s draw
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