Potapova Ends Raducanu’s Melbourne Run: British No. 1 Suffers Second-Round Defeat at Australian Open 2026
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — In a clash of resilience and raw power at the ANZ Arena, British No. 1 Emma Raducanu saw her 2026 Australian Open campaign come to an abrupt halt. Facing the newly representing Austrian, Anastasia Potapova, Raducanu struggled to maintain her early momentum, eventually falling in straight sets, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.
The defeat serves as a bitter pill for Raducanu, who had entered the tournament with high hopes after a clinical first-round victory. However, Potapova—the world No. 55 who recently switched her sporting nationality from Russia to Austria—proved to be an immovable object, utilizing her heavy baseline hitting to dismantle the Brit’s rhythm.
A Tale of Two Sets: Missed Opportunities
The opening set was a high-octane affair that saw Raducanu display the aggressive shot-making that famously won her the US Open. She managed an early break to race into a 4-2 lead, seemingly in control as she navigated the difficult sun-glare at the southern end of the court.
However, Potapova’s grit began to shine through. The Austrian leveled the set at 5-5, forcing a tie-break. Under pressure, Raducanu’s unforced errors began to mount, allowing Potapova to cruise through the tie-break 7-3.
The second set was far less competitive. Potapova, buoyed by her first-set comeback, raced to a 4-1 lead. Raducanu appeared physically drained, struggling to find answers to Potapova’s deep returns. The match concluded shortly after 10:20 am IST, leaving the British contingent in the stands stunned.
Match Statistics
| Category | Anastasia Potapova | Emma Raducanu |
| Final Score | 7-6, 6-2 | 6-7, 2-6 |
| Winners | 24 | 15 |
| Unforced Errors | 19 | 28 |
| Aces | 4 | 2 |
| Break Points Won | 4/7 | 2/5 |
National Identity and Social Media Stir
Adding to the drama of the match was the backdrop of Potapova’s recent nationality switch. The 24-year-old made headlines in December 2025 after defecting from Russia to represent Austria, a move she described as finding a “place where I feel totally at home.”
The transition has not been without controversy; Potapova was recently accused of “copy-pasting” her announcement post from fellow player Daria Kasatkina. Despite the off-court noise, Potapova remained laser-focused on the court today, securing a third-round berth where she is expected to face top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
For Emma Raducanu, the focus now shifts to the grass-court season and maintaining her top-30 ranking. While this exit is “tame” by her standards, the Brit noted in her post-match comments that she is still finding her footing after a disrupted pre-season.
“I remember watching Anastasia all through juniors; she was always the one to beat,” Raducanu said. “I knew it was going to be a tricky one. I just didn’t have enough in the tank today.”
