Emma Raducanu showed great determination as she staged a comeback to defeat Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the first round of the Australian Open. Raducanu won seven consecutive games after a slow start to secure a 6-4, 6-1 victory, maintaining her flawless record in the opening round at Melbourne.
“I feel very happy,” Raducanu expressed after the match, acknowledging Sawangkaew’s strong performance and aggressive play beyond her ranking level.
Despite a strong start by the 28th seed, Raducanu faced early pressure in the third game as Sawangkaew broke her serve, taking a 3-1 lead in her debut Grand Slam appearance. Sawangkaew displayed resilience and skill, challenging Raducanu with relentless play and effective net approaches.
Raducanu, however, found her rhythm and fought back, eventually taking the first set with a break. Sawangkaew struggled in the second set, committing more errors and failing to match Raducanu’s renewed energy.
With a series of impressive plays, Raducanu dominated the second set, securing a 6-1 lead and serving for the match with confidence. She sealed her victory in just over an hour on Margaret Court Arena, delighting her team and fans with her exceptional performance.
Raducanu’s dedication to preparation, including late-night practice sessions, paid off as she advanced to the second round. She also acknowledged the support of an enthusiastic Australian fan, inviting them to every future match.
Fans can catch all the action of the ongoing 2026 Australian Open live on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.