Emma Raducanu adapted a new routine to secure a commanding first-round victory at the Australian Open. The British number one beat Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 in a rare night match.
Facing an unfamiliar late start, Raducanu tailored her day carefully. She began with a relaxed 45-minute walk along Melbourne’s riverside, followed by treatment, team discussions, and a nap. She arrived at the park in the early evening to practice.
“Waiting around all day is not unusual for most players,” Raducanu noted. She had previously questioned the scheduling but benefited from a quick preceding match, avoiding a very late start.
Initially sluggish, Raducanu found her rhythm after saving break points at 2-4 down in the first set. From there, she won seven consecutive games, dominating with powerful forehands and eventually sealing the win with an ace.
“I’m really proud how I fought back,” Raducanu said. She will next face Anastasia Potapova, with a potential third-round match against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
The win marks positive progress for Raducanu, who climbed back into the world’s top 30 last season despite a foot injury disrupting her off-season preparation.
