British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been handed a formidable challenge at the 2026 Australian Open, with a potential third-round clash against world number one Aryna Sabalenka looming large. The tournament draw, announced in Melbourne, sets a difficult path for the South London-based player despite her seeded status.
A Daunting Path Through the Draw
Seeded 28th for the first Grand Slam of the year, Raducanu will begin her campaign on Sunday, January 18 against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew, ranked 195th in the world. Sawangkaew is making her Grand Slam main draw debut using a protected ranking after an injury-hit season.
Should she progress, the 2021 US Open champion would face either Suzan Lamens or Anastasia Potapova in the second round. The major hurdle, however, is projected for the third round, where four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka likely awaits. Raducanu trails the head-to-head record against the Belarusian 0-3, with two of those defeats coming last year at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open.
Being seeded means Raducanu is protected from facing another seed until at least the third round, but her draw has pitted her against the tournament's top player at that earliest possible stage.
Other British Hopes Face Early Tests
Raducanu is not the only Briton with a tough opening week. Katie Boulter, who gained entry to the main draw after withdrawals, will start against in-form world No.10 Belinda Bencic. Sonay Kartal meets 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya, with the prospect of facing world No.2 Iga Swiatek in round three. Francesca Jones begins against a qualifier but could meet 12th seed Elina Svitolina next.
In the men's draw, Britain's Cameron Norrie, the 26th seed, faces Benjamin Bonzi first, with last year's finalist Alexander Zverev a probable third-round opponent. Jacob Fearnley, a third-roundist here in 2025, opens against Kamil Majchrzak.
Djokovic Returns as Sinner Aims for Three
All eyes are also on the return of ten-time champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian, seeded fourth, has not played since winning the Hellenic Championship in Athens late last season, missing the ATP Finals and withdrawing from the Adelaide International. He finds himself in the same half of the draw as reigning champion Jannik Sinner, setting up a potential semi-final blockbuster.
Djokovic begins against Spain's Pedro Martinez and could face Brandon Nakashima in the third round.
How to Watch the Australian Open from the UK
The Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18. Emma Raducanu's first-round match against Sawangkaew is scheduled to start at around 00:30 UK time on that day.
UK viewers have several options to follow the action:
- Live TV & Streaming: TNT Sports on Discovery+ holds the live broadcast rights. A yearly plan costs £25.49 per month, while a flexible sports-only package is £30.99 per month. Matches are also streamed via Eurosport.
- Radio Coverage: The BBC will provide extensive live radio commentary from Melbourne Park across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer. Daily 'Tennis Breakfast' shows will air from 7am on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
For Raducanu, this tournament represents another stern test at the highest level. After facing top players in every Grand Slam in 2025, her improved ranking has earned seeding, but the draw has delivered another formidable early challenge as she seeks to make a deep run in Melbourne.
