Emma Raducanu Battles Back to Win Australian Open Opener

Emma Raducanu turned what looked like trouble into a statement victory at the Australian Open, proving once again why grit matters as much as talent.

The British number one arrived in Melbourne just two days before the tournament after competing in the Hobart International quarterfinals. With barely time to adjust, she faced Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Sunday and immediately found herself in hot water, trailing 3-1 in the first set with break points against her.

Then something clicked. Raducanu won 10 of the next 11 games, transforming a nervous start into a commanding 6-4 6-1 victory on Margaret Court Arena.

"From the beginning, she was playing incredibly well," Raducanu said after the match. "All of her returns and shots seemed to be dropping on the baseline. It made life very difficult and so I'm really proud of how I fought back in the first set."

The turnaround impressed former British player Anne Keothavong, who admitted she felt worried during those early games. "At 3-1 and 15-40 down, something clicked for Emma," Keothavong said on TNT Sports. "Once she figured out her opponent and loosened up, she was really able to let rip."

Why This Inspires

Raducanu's comeback reminds us that rough starts don't determine final outcomes. The same player who shocked the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as a teenager continues to show the mental toughness that defines champions.

Her journey from 3-1 down to complete dominance offers a powerful lesson: pressure moments reveal character. Rather than panicking when things got difficult, Raducanu adjusted her strategy and trusted her training.

The victory also showcased her growth since that breakthrough US Open win. Managing expectations, handling injuries, and finding her rhythm again hasn't been easy, but performances like this prove she's building something sustainable.

Even in victory, Raducanu showed the humility that makes her special, praising her opponent's performance and predicting good things ahead for Sawangkaew. That grace under pressure, both in losing positions and winning ones, sets an example far beyond tennis courts.

Raducanu advances to the second round with momentum and confidence restored.