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

Although she defeated No. 197 Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the first round in Melbourne, she looked less mature against Potapova.

Russian-born Potapova also made a number of errors in a subpar first set, breaking Raducanu’s serve five times before she got going.

Raducanu led 5-4 in the first set, but was broken by Potapova, who quickly equalized in the tie-break.

After Potapova took a long break at the end of the game, she started quickly in the second game and broke serve twice to lead 3-0.

The two traded breaks before Potapova asserted her authority and took the win, with the subdued Raducanu making a hasty exit.

Eyes are inevitably drawn to a potential meeting with Sabalenka – but this defeat was a sharp reminder of where Raducanu’s level remains.

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