Tennis Australian Open Women's Singles -

Emma Raducanu excited for 'big challenge' in next round after dramatic opening win at 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne

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Emma Raducanu is through to the second round of the 2025 Australian Open after a straight-sets victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova on Court 3. The Briton came through 7-6(4) 7-6(2) in two hours and 19 minutes, stunning the 26th seed to progress into the second round, where she will face a "big challenge" in American Amanda Anisimova, who beat Maria Lourdes Carle 6-2 6-3 on Court 8.

Raducanu roars through with impressive opening win - Australian Open highlights

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Emma Raducanu progressed into the second round of the Australian Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The Brit recorded a 7-6(4) 7-6(2) victory in two hours and 19 minutes on Court 3, and earned a meeting with Amanda Anisimova in the second round.

Raducanu was playing her first competitive match of the year after she had pulled out of the Auckland Classic with a back issue in the lead-up to the year's first Grand Slam.

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In a match where both players struggled badly on serve, it was Raducanu who managed to arrest her's first, but that would come as late as the second set, after a first set riddled with service breaks and a whirlwind tie-break.

Raducanu fended off a break point in the very first game of the match, and saved another two in her second service game as Alexandrova threatened early, but it was the Briton who made the breakthrough, converting her very first break opportunity to go up 3-1 in the first.

However, that was short-lived as both players continued to trade breaks, with neither being able to find their rhythm on their own serves, and Raducanu said that she "wasn't sure what changed" with her delivery.

"I think it had a mind of its own," she said.

"In the first set I was hitting a lot of good first serves. I hit a few aces. At the same time, I was hitting a double fault. I was quite accepting that, 'OK, I'm at least going for it'.

"I think as the balls got heavier, it was a lot more difficult. As more kept coming, it wasn't easy to refocus, but I knew that even if I was down, I have great returns. It was good to be able to rely on other parts of my game today that I know are quite strong, as well.

"I'm just very proud that I didn't let it affect me too much and let the match run away from me."

'I love big moments' - Raducanu buzzing after opening win in Melbourne

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Speaking exclusively to Eurosport's Laura Robson, Raducanu added: "It was difficult in the second set.

"The sun started coming over. From one side, it was really hard to see. I was already having a few teething problems with my serve, so the sun didn’t make it any easier. In the tie-break, it moved a little bit more, and I was able to see the ball a bit, which helped. I do love big moments.

"It’s a strength of mine that I feel quite confident when those situations do arise. I did play some very good tennis, so I’m very proud of myself."

'No question' Raducanu can be one of best in world says Wilander

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For her exploits, Raducanu has set up a round two encounter with the American Anisimova, who she called "a big challenge".

It will be the first time the pair have played each other, but Raducanu did mention that they had practised together on occasions.

"I’ve seen her around. She changed her hair and I complimented her," Raducanu told Robson of her upcoming opponent, who defeated Maria Lourdes Carle on Court 8 in her opening match.

"She’s gone brunette; I’m a fan of the darker. It’s going to be a difficult match. She’s a very dangerous opponent. A big ball striker. The conditions in Melbourne are very lively, so it speeds it up even more. It’ll be a good match; exciting for everyone to watch.

"She hits the ball really hard. I practised with her a couple of times. She likes to dictate. So I think it's going to be a big challenge for me, of course.

"She's had some amazing results, as well. She broke out really early. I'm looking forward to going out there and testing my game and seeing where I'm at."

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Fitness concerns no more?

Raducanu said that she "feels good" after over two hours on court, and that she felt "no restrictions" in her movement.

She missed much of 2023 after double wrist surgery, and said that she wanted to give herself a "pat on the back" for how she had rebuilt her career in 2024, going from world No. 303 to inside the top 60.

The Briton said that she had changed her fitness routine to try and rid herself of the "niggles" for good.

"It is a little bit different," she said.

"I'm someone who's very flexible and quite hypermobile. I think that's where a lot of my niggles have come from in the past, not necessarily having the amount of strength at end ranges.

"That's something I'm working on now, trying to limit any niggles and injuries. We have just started at it, so I want to see how that goes."

Watch the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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