Emma Raducanu vs Iga Swiatek is arguably the blockbuster match of the WTA Australian Open third round.
Raducanu overcame more injury problems to beat Amanda Anisimova 6-3 7-5 at the Kia Arena on Thursday. The Brit appeared to struggle with lower back problems but persevered to victory.
It’s the first ever time that the 22-year-old has gone this far in Melbourne. Raducanu really had to graft for her victory against the hard-hitting American.
She had to fight back in both sets against her close friend to book her spot in the last 32. Now, the 2021 US Open winner will face the number two seed.
Emma Raducanu will take on five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek after beating Amanda Anisimova in the second round of the Australian Open 📈 pic.twitter.com/osvVJ7yaSY
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) January 16, 2025
Emma Raducanu Vs Iga Swiatek
Saturday’s tennis showdown will be the fourth time Emma Raducanu has gone up against Iga Swiatek. The five-time Grand Slam winner is yet to face defeat against the Brit.
In fact, she hasn’t even dropped a set against the number 61 seed. Previously, the pair met at the Stuttgart Open quarter-finals in 2024 and 2022.
The year in-between, Swiatek beat Raducanu 6-3 6-1 in the round of 16 at Indian Wells. Now, the Brit hopeful says she’ll give it her ‘best’ against one of the tournament favourites.
“I’m loving it. It’s another opportunity to test my game. I think obviously she’s (Swiatek) achieved so much already and I think going into it, I have nothing to lose.” Raducanu explained.
“I’m just going to swing. I’m going to give it my best and I can’t wait to play in front of you guys. Swiatek is a top player, she’s been really consistent over the last few years.
“So it’s going to be a match for me where I feel like I don’t really have much expectation externally. I think you always have the pressure that you put on yourself to perform to your best ability, which is not really going to change, but that’s every match.”
