Tennis Australian Open Women's Singles -

Emma Raducanu 'can become one of the best players in the world', says Mats Wilander after Australian Open win

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Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has backed Emma Raducanu to become "one of the best players in the world" if she keeps herself fit. Briton Raducanu reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open with a straight sets victory over 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Court 3 on Tuesday, winning 7-6(4) 7-6(2) in two hours and 19 minutes. She plays American Amanda Anisimova next.

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

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Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has tipped Emma Raducanu to become "one of the best players in the world" - but only if she can stay fit.

The Briton returned to action with an excellent opening victory at the Australian Open, where she dismissed 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4) 7-6(2) on Court 3 in two hours and 19 minutes.

Raducanu, who missed much of the last two years through injury, including double wrist surgery in 2023, was forced to withdraw from the Auckland Classic in the lead-up to the first Grand Slam of the year after she suffered a back problem.

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However, she is back and fighting fit, and she believes that she is in good shape to make a dent in the women’s draw in Melbourne.

She faces American Amanda Anisimova in round two, and Raducanu labelled her opponent as a "big challenge" and a "hard ball-striker".

"That’s a tough match, but this was a tough match as well," Wilander said of Raducanu’s two opponents.

"Alexandrova is a good player and you have to play well. I’m very impressed with Emma. Every time I see her, there is no question in my mind that she can become one of the best players in the world if she stays healthy long enough.

"Anisimova hits the ball very, very, very hard. It’s going to be a tough match, but I love seeing Emma back."

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Raducanu struggled with her serve throughout against Alexandrova and Eurosport pundit Tim Henman believes that her recent back issue could have had something to do with it.

"It’s great to see her on the match court," Henman said.

"Last year, she didn't play a massive amount of tennis, and you think that she needs to get matches under her belt.

"She had to pull out of Auckland because of that back spasm. If you’ve got a bad back, the last thing you want to do is serve so she might not have served that much coming into the event.

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"She talked about how her service motion has changed, it’s a little bit longer.

"If you can serve 15 double faults and still end up winning, there are still other areas of your game that are working pretty well. Against a seeded opponent, she’ll be pleased to get that win under her belt."

Watch the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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