British tennis star Emma Raducanu has received a sobering assessment of her prospects at the upcoming Australian Open, with a former champion bluntly stating her game is not yet at the required level for a serious title challenge.
Wilander's Stark Reality Check
Speaking to TNT Sports, three-time Australian Open men's champion and respected commentator Mats Wilander offered a brutally honest verdict. He advised the 23-year-old to significantly lower her expectations for a deep run in Melbourne. "I think she can do something like winning a couple of matches," Wilander said. "I don't expect Emma Raducanu's game to be good enough where she can get to the quarters or semis or final because I don't think her game is good enough and I don't think the preparation is there."
Wilander acknowledged Raducanu's innate talent and technically sound shots, including her serve. However, he emphasised that the crucial missing ingredient is consistent tour-level experience. "She needs a couple of years of being on tour week in, week out to toughen her up physically and to toughen her up mentally," he stated, adding pointedly, "She's not ready to have a great tournament."
A Daunting Path in Melbourne
Raducanu, who is seeded for a grand slam for the first time as the 28th seed, faces a particularly tough draw. Her campaign begins on Sunday on Margaret Court Arena against lower-ranked Thai player Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Should she progress, a potential second-round clash awaits against either Anastasia Potapova or Suzan Lamens.
The real test, however, could come in the third round, where world number one Aryna Sabalenka is projected to be waiting, assuming both players advance that far. While Raducanu pushed Sabalenka hard in a third-round loss at Wimbledon last year, her 2025 grand slam record was underwhelming, failing to progress beyond the last 32 at any of the four majors. She suffered comprehensive defeats to Iga Swiatek (twice) and Elena Rybakina.
Troubled Build-Up to the Slam
Raducanu's preparation for the first major of 2026 has been far from ideal. She arrives in Melbourne following a surprising and disappointing quarter-final defeat at the Hobart International. There, she was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by Australian Taylah Preston, who is ranked 204th in the world.
This loss was especially jarring as the event had presented a golden opportunity for Raducanu to reach a rare semi-final, particularly after her second-round opponent, Magdalena Frech, withdrew due to injury. The result has only amplified existing concerns about her physical endurance and match sharpness after a career disrupted by injuries.
Wilander expressed sympathy for her injury woes, noting, "I know that injuries is bad luck, and to her, she's having too much bad luck." Yet, his overarching message was clear: despite being seeded, Emma Raducanu's journey at the 2026 Australian Open is likely to be a short one, with significant work required on the tour before she can consistently challenge the sport's elite.
