Raducanu Crashes Out of Australian Open in Second Round

Emma Raducanu suffered a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open after a straight-sets defeat to Austria’s Anastasia Potapova, ending hopes of a high-profile clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The British number one, seeded 28th, was beaten 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 by the 55th-ranked Potapova, struggling to find rhythm and consistency throughout the match. Raducanu appeared flat in both movement and confidence, with unforced errors creeping into all areas of her game.

Raducanu’s recently adjusted forehand lacked reliability, while key mistakes including a missed drive volley late in the first set and a double fault that handed Potapova a crucial break in the second compounded her difficulties. The 23-year-old, a former US Open champion, was playing as a seeded Grand Slam competitor for the first time in more than three years. Her preparation had been disrupted by a foot injury, delaying her return to full training until late December.

After serving for the opening set at 5-4, Raducanu was broken back, allowing Potapova to take control in the tie-break. The Austrian carried that momentum into the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead and maintaining her advantage to close out the match. The defeat highlighted Raducanu’s ongoing challenge to regain top form, despite a first-round win earlier in the tournament. Elsewhere, British qualifier Arthur Fery was also eliminated in the men’s second round, losing 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 6-3 to Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.