Emma Raducanu opened the Australian Open in Melbourne with a 6‑4, 6‑1 win over Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew. After a shaky start, the British No. 1 rallied from 3‑1 down, winning 10 of the last 11 games. A lone Australian super‑fan in the stands sparked her comeback, earning her the nickname Raddo.

Raducanu returned to the court after a lingering foot injury that kept her off the tour since last season. She praised the crowd’s energy, saying the support helped her stay positive and vocal on the baseline. The win gives her confidence that, with practice, she can improve a lot more.

Next up, Raducanu faces Russia‑turned‑Austrian Anastasia Potapova, followed by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka if she advances. The British star will need to sharpen her serve and adapt to late‑night conditions. Fans will watch to see if her newfound confidence translates into deeper runs at the Grand Slam in 2026 tournament.