• Emma Raducanu loses a close first set to Anastasia Potapova, 6-7 (3-7).
  • Raducanu served for the set at 5-4 but Potapova forced a tiebreak and dominated the decider.
  • Day four at the Australian Open also features Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Cameron Norrie.

Match snapshot: Raducanu v Anastasia Potapova

Emma Raducanu fell narrowly in the opening set against Anastasia Potapova in their second-round meeting at the Australian Open 2026. Potapova took the first set on a decisive tie-break, winning 7-6 (7-3) after Raducanu had served for the set at 5-4.

How the first set unfolded

The set swung on a handful of tight games. Raducanu held serve under pressure to force a tie-break, but Potapova seized momentum early in the breaker with a series of clean winners. Potapova converted set points and closed out the opener 7-3 in the tie-break.

Anastasia Potapova showed calm from the baseline and moved Raducanu around with deep, angled shots. Raducanu had a few chances, including serving at 5-4, but Potapova fought back to extend the set and then dominated the key points in the tie-break.

Key moments

  • Raducanu served for the set at 5-4 but Potapova held firm to force a tie-break.
  • Potapova produced a string of forehand winners in the tie-break to take control.
  • Raducanu’s overheads and net approaches created opportunities but were not enough to swing the opener.

Context and stakes

Seeded for the first time at a major since 2022, Raducanu arrived in Melbourne aiming to match her best Australian Open run by reaching the third round. A victory over Potapova would have set up a potential meeting with world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the next round.

Potapova, the Russian-born Austrian ranked inside the top 60, also sought to equal her best Australian Open performance. Her composed tie-break and ability to deliver big points under pressure gave her the edge early in this match.

What’s next

The match remains in the balance heading into the second set. Raducanu will look to reset quickly, tighten her serve and be more aggressive on return games. Potapova will aim to keep the pressure and use her consistent depth to control rallies.

Elsewhere on day four at Melbourne Park, top names include Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Cameron Norrie. British qualifier Arthur Fery was reported trailing Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while Sabalenka advanced to the third round in straight sets.

Follow live updates

Fans can follow live text coverage and radio updates for ongoing scores and match analysis. This contest remains headline sport on a busy day at the Australian Open.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/live/c4g31nzjz5jt