British star Emma Raducanu was unceremoniously dumped out of the Australian Open in the early hours of Saturday morning, losing to Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
Emma Raducanu Thrashed in Australian Open
Emma Raducanu’s dream of winning the Australian Open came to an abrupt halt on Saturday morning, as the world number 61 crashed out against one of the best in women’s tennis right now.
Iga Swiatek let Raducanu win just one game in their third round clash at Rod Laver Arena as the Polish superstar booked her spot in the fourth round against German Eva Lys.
Raducanu’s emphatic loss was her joint-worst defeat in her professional career, having lost by the same score to Elena Rybakina in Australia three years ago.
“She played very well, but I also think I didn’t play very well. It’s just not a great combination,” Raducanu said postgame. “If a top player is playing perfect, it’s already going to be a difficult match.”
Swiatek is still yet to drop as set in Australia during this year’s Grand Slam and she looks like a serious contender to win her first title Down Under.
Despite never making it past the semi finals in Australia, Iga Swiatek is currently priced a just 12/5 to win the Open according to the best UK tennis betting sites.
No Excuses For Raducanu
Speaking after her exit from the Australian Open, Raducanu discussed her rehab from injury but even though she struggled at the end of last year, the Brit had no excuses for Saturday’s defeat.
“Three weeks ago when I was in Auckland, at the end of last year, I was doing pool rehab. I think to be on a tennis court playing matches and competing is something I have to be grateful for.
“I started hitting when I came here 18 days ago. I have to take a positive that I was able to beat two top opponents in the first two rounds,” said Raducanu.“But today, no excuses of the back or physically. I didn’t play well. She played very well. Given the preparation we had, we have to be grateful to be in this position.”
Raducanu can still be proud of how far she has come in the competition having never got to the third round before, and there is no shame in losing to the world number two.
