Overview
- Raducanu opens against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Sunday on Margaret Court Arena, scheduled as the fourth match of the day.
- She returns to a grand slam as a seed for the first time in three years, with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka a potential third-round opponent.
- Her recent form is limited and mixed after withdrawing from a United Cup match, losing to Maria Sakkari on 5 January, and exiting Hobart in the quarter-finals to world No 204 Taylah Preston.
- Injury expert Stephen Smith cautions that overloading her bone bruise could trigger a stress fracture and 8–12 weeks out, calling Melbourne “very, very challenging” for her.
- Mats Wilander tempers expectations for a deep run, saying her game and preparation suggest only a short campaign as she builds sustained tour readiness.