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Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment as she was defeated in the second round by Austria’s Anastasia Potapova. This loss prevented the British number one from advancing to a highly anticipated match-up against world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu, who was seeded 28th, fell 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 to Potapova, ranked 55th in the world.
Throughout the match, Raducanu appeared off-color, both in her demeanor and movement on court. Her performance was marked by unforced errors and uncertainty, particularly with a forehand stroke she had recently adjusted. Critical moments featured costly mistakes including a wild drive volley in the first set and a double fault in the second set, which resulted in Potapova gaining a significant break at 4-1. This series of errors contributed to Raducanu’s struggle throughout the match.
Raducanu’s return to Grand Slam seeding after more than three years was tempered by difficulties leading into the tournament. A foot injury disrupted her off-season preparations, limiting her ability to practice until late December. Although she managed to secure a first-round victory against Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who is ranked 197th, she appeared less prepared in her encounter with Potapova. The match itself began with a high volume of breaks of serve from both players, culminating in a first set full of inconsistency and errors, particularly from Potapova.
After failing to hold serve to win the first set, Raducanu lost in the tiebreak before Potapova began the second set strongly, quickly building a 3-0 lead. Despite some exchanges of breaks, Potapova controlled the remainder of the match and secured a comfortable victory. Raducanu departed the court with a subdued presence, underscoring the gap between her current level and the potential challenge that awaited against Sabalenka. On the men’s side, British qualifier Arthur Fery also exited the tournament following a second-round defeat by Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, with the scoreline finishing 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, 6-3
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