Emma Raducanu showed her fighting spirit as she conquered world No. 196 Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the initial match of the Australian Open. Raducanu staged a remarkable comeback, winning seven consecutive games to secure a 6-4, 6-1 victory and maintain her flawless record in the first round in Melbourne.
Speaking after the intense match, Raducanu expressed her joy, praising her opponent’s strong performance and elevated gameplay compared to her ranking. The 28th seed started aggressively, claiming the opening service game despite facing fierce returns from Sawangkaew. However, Raducanu faced a tough challenge in the third game of the match.
Sawangkaew managed to break Raducanu’s serve early on, taking a 3-1 lead in her Grand Slam debut. The unseeded 23-year-old displayed unwavering determination, consistently thwarting Raducanu’s attacks. Despite facing break points, Raducanu saved the game and stayed competitive.
Raducanu shifted gears midway through the set, securing a crucial break to level the score. With renewed focus and determination, she dominated the latter part of the set, ultimately winning it with another break. Sawangkaew struggled in the second set, committing several errors and failing to counter Raducanu’s resurgent play.
Raducanu maintained her momentum in the second set, quickly building a 3-0 lead. With her team cheering her on, Raducanu showcased her dominance, overwhelming her opponent with powerful serves and strategic plays. The British star continued her impressive performance, securing a 5-1 lead and sealing the match with a decisive serve.
Raducanu’s victory in one hour and 11 minutes on Margaret Court Arena marked a successful start to her Australian Open campaign. Reflecting on her preparation, Raducanu mentioned late-night practice sessions and credited her dedicated training regimen. She also expressed gratitude to a supportive Australian fan, acknowledging their enthusiastic presence at the match.
Tennis enthusiasts can catch all the live action from the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.