As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, British tennis star Emma Raducanu is aiming for a powerful start to the new season. The 23-year-old, currently ranked 28th in the world, enters the Melbourne tournament as a seeded player, which should offer some protection in the initial rounds.
Seeded Status Offers No Guarantees
Raducanu's seeding means she will not face another seeded opponent until at least the third round. However, the draw can still present formidable challenges from unseeded players, many of whom are battling through qualifying with a point to prove. Raducanu herself knows the power of a qualifying run, having famously won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier while still a teenager. As she competes in the Hobart International warm-up event, Mirror Sport examines three potential early-round opponents who could disrupt her Australian Open campaign.
The Grand Slam Wildcard: Sloane Stephens
One of the most dangerous floaters in the draw could be 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. The 32-year-old American, a former Australian Open semi-finalist, is currently fighting her way through the qualifying rounds. After a first-round win over Barbora Palicova, she faces a tough match against Australia's Olivia Gadecki.
Stephens' ranking has plummeted to world No. 1098 following extended injury breaks, but her pedigree as a major winner makes her a nightmare early draw for any seeded player, including Raducanu. Her experience and proven ability to win on the biggest stage would test the Briton's resolve from the first ball.
The All-British Clash: Katie Boulter
A first or second-round meeting with fellow Brit Katie Boulter would represent a significant early hurdle for Raducanu. Boulter, 29, was initially listed for qualifying but gained a late spot in the main draw as the first alternate following another player's withdrawal.
Despite a dip in form and ranking that has seen her fall outside the top 100, Boulter remains a formidable competitor. She was seeded 22nd at last year's Australian Open and possesses the game to trouble higher-ranked opponents. Such a match-up would also guarantee one less British contender in the tournament, a blow for home fans hoping for a deep run from either player.
The Rising Threat: Anastasia Zakharova
Russian player Anastasia Zakharova poses another serious threat. Originally the top seed in qualifying, she was promoted directly to the main draw. Zakharova, who has a career-high ranking of 79, announced herself on the big stage by reaching the third round on her major debut at the 2024 Australian Open.
Her form has been impressive, notably defeating former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka on her Wimbledon debut last year and beating a top-30 player for the first time at Queen's. With 16 ITF titles to her name and recent experience of upsetting established stars, Zakharova has the tools and confidence to challenge Raducanu should they meet in Melbourne.
The 2026 Australian Open begins on January 18, with all the action live on TNT Sports. For Raducanu, navigating these potential pitfalls in the opening rounds will be crucial to building momentum and launching a successful campaign down under.
