Australian Open 2026: Emma Raducanu loses to Anastasia Potapova in second round

While she managed to beat 197th-ranked Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the first round in Melbourne, she looked undercooked against Potapova.

Russian-born Potapova also made a large amount of mistakes in a low-quality first set that began with five breaks of serve before Raducanu withdrew.

Raducanu served at 5-4 in the first set, but Potapova immediately withdrew in a tiebreak.

Potapova, who took a long break at the end of the set, started the second quarter quickly and broke twice to take the lead 3-0.

The pair took a break before Potapova asserted her authority and cruised to victory as a subdued Raducanu made a hasty debut.

All eyes were inevitably on the possible clash with Sabalenka, but this loss was a reminder of where Raducanu’s level remains.

Meanwhile, British qualifier Arthur Fery was eliminated in the men’s second round by losing 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 6-3 to Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry.