With the tennis world turning its gaze toward Melbourne, British star Emma Raducanu is once again in the spotlight as she sets her sights on a strong start to the 2026 season at the Australian Open. Seeded 28th, Raducanu enters the tournament with high hopes and a draw that, on paper, could pave the way for a deep run—though as any seasoned tennis fan knows, the Grand Slam stage is never short on surprises.
As qualifying matches got underway ahead of the first round, the buzz around Raducanu was palpable. The 23-year-old, who famously captured the US Open title in 2021 as a teenage qualifier, now finds herself among the seeded elite in Melbourne. This status means she won’t face another seeded player until at least the third round, theoretically offering a smoother path through the early stages. But in tennis, theory often meets reality in the most dramatic fashion.
Raducanu’s preparations have been thorough, including a stint at the Hobart International to sharpen her game. The British ace knows all too well the unpredictability of the women’s draw, especially with a handful of dangerous floaters lurking in the wings. The list of potential early-round opponents reads like a who’s who of comeback stories and rising threats, each eager to make their own mark on the year’s first Grand Slam.
One name that stands out is Sloane Stephens, the 32-year-old American who etched her name into tennis history by winning the US Open in 2017. Stephens’ journey back to the main stage has been anything but straightforward. Injury setbacks saw her ranking tumble, and she began 2026 as world No.1098. Yet, her pedigree remains undeniable. Stephens is currently battling through the qualifying rounds, having dispatched Barbora Palicova in her opening match. Her next test comes against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki—a formidable hurdle, but one Stephens is well-equipped to clear. For Raducanu, Stephens’ presence in the draw is a potential banana skin; the American’s experience and hunger to reclaim former glories make her a nightmare opponent for anyone, especially in the early rounds.
Another storyline with a distinctly British flavor is the prospect of facing Katie Boulter. The 29-year-old, once ranked inside the top 100 and seeded No.22 at last year’s Australian Open, has endured her own battles with injury and inconsistency. Originally slated for qualifying, Boulter was bumped into the main draw at the eleventh hour following a withdrawal. For Raducanu, a match-up against her compatriot would be bittersweet—guaranteeing British fans at least one player in the next round, but also ensuring an early exit for a home favorite. Boulter’s game, marked by powerful baseline play and a steely competitive streak, poses a real threat despite her current ranking outside the top 100.
And then there’s Anastasia Zakharova, the 23-year-old Russian who’s quietly been building an impressive résumé on the WTA tour. Zakharova, the top seed in qualifying, also found herself promoted to the main draw thanks to a late withdrawal. Her trajectory has been on the rise: a career-high ranking of No.79, 16 ITF titles, and a string of eye-catching performances at the majors. Zakharova reached the third round of the 2024 Australian Open, toppled world No.21 Donna Vekic on grass at Queen’s in 2025, and stunned former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon. She even made it to the second round of the US Open, proving she’s no stranger to the big stage. For Raducanu, Zakharova represents the archetypal dangerous floater—talented, confident, and hungry for a breakthrough.
While individual ambitions are high, the British camp has also been buoyed by a new partnership that’s already making waves. On Monday afternoon, Raducanu and Boulter joined forces for doubles at the inaugural WTA 500 event at The Queen’s Club in west London. The pairing, cheekily dubbed ‘Boultercanu’ by fans, delivered a sparkling debut, dispatching Wu Fang-hsien and Jiang Xinyu in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. The match, played on Court One rather than the main Andy Murray Arena, drew long queues and an electric atmosphere, as fans clamored for a glimpse of the country’s two biggest tennis names in action together.
The chemistry between Raducanu and Boulter was evident from the first point. They broke serve early to build a 4-2 lead, exchanging high-fives and laughter as they navigated the inevitable teething problems of a new partnership. Boulter’s experience in doubles provided stability, while Raducanu’s clean groundstrokes and growing confidence at the net were a joy to watch. Under the watchful eyes of coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday, Raducanu let out a roar of delight after a series of sharp winners, energizing the crowd and her partner alike. Despite a brief wobble as Wu and Jiang clawed their way back to level the set, the British duo responded with an immediate break to close out the opener. The second set saw them truly hit their stride, as Boulter’s baseline prowess and Raducanu’s net play proved too much for their opponents.
The doubles victory is more than just a morale boost—it’s a strategic move as both players look to hone their grass-court games ahead of Wimbledon at the end of June. “Getting time on grass is crucial for us,” Boulter said after the match, echoing the sentiment that match practice and partnership chemistry could pay dividends when the stakes are highest later in the season.
The British tennis landscape is undeniably vibrant, with Raducanu at the forefront of a new generation eager to emulate her US Open heroics. Her seeding at the Australian Open reflects her growing stature, but also brings new pressures and expectations. The presence of seasoned campaigners like Stephens, compatriots like Boulter, and rising stars like Zakharova means there will be no easy matches in Melbourne. Each opponent brings a unique challenge—be it experience, familiarity, or sheer momentum.
For now, Raducanu’s focus remains fixed on the task at hand: navigating the early rounds, building confidence, and seizing the opportunity her seeding affords. The draw is set, the qualifiers are battling for their place, and the eyes of the tennis world are watching closely. Whether it’s a fairytale run or a stern test in the opening rounds, one thing’s for sure—Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open campaign promises drama, intrigue, and, if her recent doubles form is any indication, plenty of fireworks.
As the first balls are struck in Melbourne, anticipation is sky-high. Will Raducanu’s blend of youthful exuberance and Grand Slam experience carry her deep into the tournament? Or will one of the draw’s many wildcards spring a surprise? With so much talent on display and so many storylines unfolding, British tennis fans—and indeed, the entire tennis community—won’t want to miss a moment of the action Down Under.
