“I don’t expect Emma Raducanu’s game to be good enough”: Wilander doubts deep Australian Open run

Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 19:30

Emma Raducanu clenches her fist in Flushing Meadows

Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander cast doubt on Emma Raducanu’s ability to produce a deep run at this year’s Australian Open, pointing to areas of her game that still need improvement if she hopes to become a consistent Grand Slam contender again.

Since Raducanu won the 2021 US Open title, she has struggled to find consistency in her results, at least until 2025, when she managed to re-establish herself inside the Top 30. In Melbourne, she will be seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2022, when she was still defending the points from her title in Flushing Meadows.

For that reason, this could be the moment for Raducanu to take a step forward and start thinking again about deep runs at major tournaments. Since her breakthrough title in New York, Raducanu holds a 15–12 record at Grand Slam events, with her best result being a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon 2024, where she was defeated by surprise package Lulu Sun.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander was asked by TNT Sports about Raducanu’s chances of making a deep run at the tournament or even emerging as a title contender. “Well, I think she can do something like winning a couple of matches,” commented the former Swedish player. “I don't expect Emma Raducanu's game to be good enough where she can get to the quarters or semis or final because I don't think her game is good enough and I don't think the preparation is there.”

Tough draw looms for Raducanu despite favourable opening match

Raducanu has been seeded 29th at the tournament and will open against 23-year-old Thai player Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who will be making her debut in a Grand Slam main draw. The Brit will be looking to bounce back after a surprising quarter-final loss at the Hobart International to Taylah Preston.

If she gets past the opening round, tougher challenges could await the Brit, including a potential third-round clash against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. “I think she has the talent. I think technically she has the shots,” Wilander said of the British No. 1. “I think the serve technically is good enough. I think in the future, she can be competing with the best players in the world, but she's not there.”

“She doesn't need two months. She needs a couple of years of being on tour week in, week out to toughen her up physically and to toughen her up mentally,” added the three-time Australian Open champion. “She's not ready to have a great tournament. And I'm hoping one day you will see Emma Raducanu that is physically ready. I know that injuries is bad luck, and to her, she's having too much bad luck.”

Wilander backs Francisco Roig as key figure in Raducanu’s development

One of the biggest challenges for Raducanu in the years following her major title has been finding a stable team that could stay together over time. Constant coaching changes never fully gave her the confidence she needed on court, but over the past year, her work with Spanish coach Francisco Roig appears to be paying off. Wilander endorsed Roig as the right man to help the Brit continue raising her level.

“Well, I think it's going to help because I think Emma Raducanu is still in the building part of her career,” Wilander stated. “Even though she's won a Grand Slam, she's still trying to build a game, build the way that she wants to play tennis.”

“And I think Francisco Roig understands tennis as good as any person that I've ever met in my life, and if not, the best. So he really understands the game. He understands technique. He understands tactics. And I think it's the perfect combination because she's building. She's not at the top. She doesn't need one word to change her tennis around. She needs a whole book to read out of. And Francisco can write that book for her, and it can really help her.”

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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