Emma Raducanu, fired up and determined, overcame a shaky start to defeat Mananchaya Sawangkaew, ranked 196th in the world, in the initial round of the Australian Open. Raducanu staged an impressive comeback, winning seven consecutive games to secure a 6-4, 6-1 victory and maintain her flawless record in the opening round at Melbourne.
Expressing her joy after the match, Raducanu acknowledged Sawangkaew’s strong performance, noting the Thai player’s precise shots and elevated level of play. Despite a strong start from the 28th seed, Sawangkaew managed to break Raducanu’s serve early on and take a 3-1 lead in their first meeting at a Grand Slam event.
Sawangkaew, exuding confidence, effectively countered Raducanu’s shots and applied pressure during crucial moments. Raducanu, facing break points, displayed determination and eventually seized control of the match by securing crucial breaks and dominating the second set.
Raducanu’s relentless play and focused mindset propelled her to a commanding 5-1 lead in the second set, leading to a decisive victory. With a booming serve down the middle, Raducanu sealed the match in just over an hour, earning her spot in the second round at Margaret Court Arena.
Reflecting on her preparation, Raducanu shared that she had a late-night practice session the day before the match, emphasizing her dedication to training. She also expressed gratitude to a passionate Australian fan, nicknamed Rado, inviting the supporter to attend all her future matches.
As the 2026 Australian Open progresses, fans can follow the live action from Melbourne on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.