Australian Open: Emma Raducanu ready to 'test' herself against Amanda Anisimova

By SABC Sport
14th January 2025

Emma Raducanu played down her serving struggles during the first round of the Australian Open, and is now looking ahead to a big challenge against Amanda Anisimova.

Playing in her first competitive match of the 2025 season, Raducanu served 15 double faults yet she was still too strong for 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova as she came away with a 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2) victory.

The 2021 US Open winner had been working hard on her serve with coach Nick Cavaday during the off-season, but somehow it didn't click on the day as "it had a mind of its own".

"I'm not sure what I changed in my serve today," the world No 61 said. "I think it had a mind of its own. I will be sure to reflect, look at that and come back to you.

"I think in the first set I was hitting a lot of good first serves. I hit a few aces. At the same time, I was hitting a double fault. I was quite accepting of that: 'OK, I'm at least going for it'."

Raducanu added: "I think, as the balls got heavier, it was a lot more difficult. More kept coming, it was not easy to refocus, but I knew that, even if I was down, I have great returns. It was good to be able to rely on other parts of my game today that I know are quite strong, as well.

"I'm just very proud that I didn't let it affect me too much and let the match run away from me."

She will need to serve well against Anisimova in the second round as the American will no doubt make her pay if she is slightly off her game with her powerful strokes.

Like Raducanu, Anisimova also broke through at a young age as she reached the 2019 Roland Garros semi-final at the age of 17.

But she also suffered a dip in form and experienced burnout, leading to her taking a break from tennis during the 2023 season.

The 23-year-old, though, is making her way back and defeated Maria Lourdes Carle in straight sets in the first round.

What can Raducanu expect in the second round?

"She's a big ball-striker," the Brit said. "She hits the ball really hard. I practised with her a couple of times. She likes to dictate. So I think it's going to be a big challenge for me, of course.

"She's had some amazing results, as well. She broke out really early. I'm looking forward to going out there and testing my game and seeing where I'm at."