Emma Raducanu has expressed that she feels she has “nothing to lose” as she prepares to face Iga Swiatek, the world No 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, in the third round of the Australian Open. Raducanu, who has faced Swiatek three times previously without winning a set, is ready to approach the match with a free-swinging mindset, eager to test her game against one of the best players in the world.
Raducanu, who has enjoyed a solid start to the tournament, highlighted her love for big occasions and the electric atmosphere of large stadiums, emphasizing that she thrives in such environments. “I really relish [big occasions],” she said, noting that she enjoys playing in Australia due to the favorable conditions and the enthusiastic crowd support. With a lot of Union Jacks in the stands, Raducanu feels motivated and ready for the challenge ahead.
Though Raducanu has yet to win a match against Swiatek, their previous encounters have shown competitive moments. In their most recent meeting at Stuttgart in 2023, Raducanu pushed Swiatek to a tight first set before losing 7-6 (2), 6-3. Despite her losses, Raducanu has maintained a positive outlook, seeing every match against top-ranked opponents as an opportunity for growth. “I’m just going to swing,” she said, determined to take the match to Swiatek and enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome.
The match represents a significant test for Raducanu, as she has never faced a top-five opponent at a Grand Slam. However, she remains confident, acknowledging that playing against such high-level players is an invaluable opportunity to gauge her progress. Swiatek, despite her dominant career, is only one year older than Raducanu, and the two have crossed paths before on the junior circuit, where Swiatek defeated Raducanu on her way to winning the Wimbledon girls’ title. Since then, Swiatek’s trajectory has been markedly different, with the Polish player becoming one of the most successful and consistent players on the WTA tour.
Raducanu, on the other hand, has faced struggles with injuries and fitness issues, which have hindered her ability to maintain consistent form. Reflecting on their different journeys, Raducanu emphasized that it’s important not to compare their paths. She acknowledged that Swiatek has been playing at a high level from a young age, while Raducanu’s development has been slower, with her early years in tennis marked by limited hours of practice. However, Raducanu remains focused on building a strong foundation for the future, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique, and that she must continue to work at her own pace.
As she looks ahead to the match, Raducanu remains undaunted by the challenge that Swiatek presents. Swiatek, who has won multiple Grand Slam titles, acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining a high level of performance after achieving so much success. She spoke about the constant work required to stay at the top, as well as the pressures of living up to expectations. However, Swiatek is focused on the task at hand, determined to prepare for the match by focusing on Raducanu’s current form rather than their contrasting pasts. Both players are set to give their all, with the outcome depending on who plays better on the day.
