Emma Raducanu will play without fear against Iga Swiatek as she feels there is ‘nothing to lose’ in their Australian Open third-round clash.
The 22-year-old looked put in a strong performance against Amanda Anisimova to book her spot in the next round.
It’s the first time in Raducanu’s career that she’s made it through to the third round of the Australian Open.
But Raducanu will have to upset the odds in order to progress any further as she goes up against world No 2 Swiatek.
Emma Raducanu is through to the third round
REUTERS
The five-time Grand Slam champion has won both previous matches against Raducanu, but this will be the first time they’re meeting on hard courts.
Raducanu is hopeful that could play into her hands, but the British star isn’t putting too much pressure on herself.
“It’ll be a good match for me,” Raducanu said.
“Any match I can play against these top opponents. I’m loving it.
“It’s an opportunity to test my game and see where I’m at. We played twice before on clay. Let’s see on hard court.
“She’s achieved so much already. Going into it, I have nothing to lose.
“I’m just gonna swing. I’m gonna give it my best. I can’t wait to play in front of you guys.”
The Australian Open represents Raducanu’s first WTA Tour-level competition in four months having suffered several injury setbacks.
Emma Raducanu is yet to drop a set
REUTERS
She was made to work in the second set against Anisimova after falling 0-3 down, but was proud of her fightback.
“This is a Slam that I love playing at so to make it past the second round means a lot to me,” Raducanu said.
“It’s incredibly difficult whenever you play a friend, it adds another dimension to the match and not necessarily a pleasant one. I think I did a good job. I knew I had to not go away in the second set.”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Iga Swiatek will be Emma Raducanu’s toughest test yet
REUTERS
She added: “It was tricky today, it was a little bit windy, there was sun on one side. Both in patches had some moments with our serve. The way I managed to regroup at the end of the first, I was pretty proud of that.
“It’s difficult. I haven’t played a match in a very long time. The way I play is pretty athletic, I use my body a lot.
“I was feeling it a little bit but I’m glad I have a little bit of time to recover before my next match.”