British tennis star Emma Raducanu will continue her quest at the 2026 Australian Open this Wednesday, facing a significant test against the experienced Anastasia Potapova in the second round.
Raducanu's Path to the Second Round
The British number one and 28th seed secured her place after navigating a tricky opening match on Sunday, 18th January. Raducanu overcame a slow start to defeat Thailand's world number 195, Mananchaya Sawangkaew. The victory was a positive step for the Briton, who revealed she had arrived late in Melbourne after an injury-disrupted off-season, but was pleased with how quickly she found her rhythm on court.
A Formidable Opponent Awaits
Wednesday's match presents a considerable step up in challenge. Her opponent, Anastasia Potapova, is a former world number 21 and a three-time title winner on the WTA Tour. The 24-year-old, who switched nationality from Russia to Austria in December 2025, is known for her powerful, aggressive game.
Raducanu, who is a year younger at 23, acknowledged Potapova's pedigree, noting she has tracked her rival's progress since their junior days. "She was always the player to watch and beat through juniors," Raducanu said. "She's a big hitter. I know it's going to be a really tricky one."
Schedule and High-Stakes Implications
The second-round match is scheduled for Wednesday, 21st January, giving Raducanu two full days of rest and preparation following her Sunday win. While the precise timing on the order of play is yet to be confirmed, Raducanu can likely anticipate another late start, similar to her first-round encounter.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this clash is projected to face the formidable world number one and two-time Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, in the third round. Sabalenka first must navigate her own second-round match against qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK
For fans in the United Kingdom, live coverage of the tournament is available on TNT Sports and via the streaming service Discovery+. Viewers in the United States can tune in on ESPN and the Tennis Channel.
