The Australian Open 2026 is already causing a stir, with Emma Raducanu, the British number one, expressing her concerns about the tournament schedule.
Raducanu, a rising star in the tennis world, has questioned the logic behind her first-round match being scheduled for Sunday night in Melbourne. With a delayed flight and a quick turnaround, she finds herself in a challenging situation.
"It's a tough one," Raducanu, ranked 29th globally, shared. "You'd ideally want more time to adapt and practice, but I had to make do with the schedule I was given."
And here's where it gets controversial... The potential for a late-night start adds another layer of complexity. Raducanu and her opponent, Mananchaya Sawangkaew from Thailand, are scheduled second on Margaret Court Arena, following a men's singles match that could go the distance.
"Scheduling women's matches after a potential five-set match just doesn't seem right to me," Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, emphasized.
Raducanu is taking a proactive approach to her preparations, adjusting her day and mindset for the late-night match. "It's a new challenge, and I need to learn to adapt," she said.
But this isn't just about the schedule. Raducanu's lack of practice due to a foot injury has been evident in her recent matches. During her defeat in Hobart, she struggled with uncertainty and passivity, inviting pressure from her opponent.
"I'm not too concerned about the results right now," Raducanu told BBC Sport. "I'm focused on the process and getting back to my best."
And this is the part most people miss... Raducanu's journey in 2025 was one of resilience and progress. Despite the challenges, she climbed back into the top 30 and played more matches than ever before.
So, what do you think? Is the scheduling fair, or does it favor the men's matches? And how will Raducanu's lack of practice impact her performance? Let's discuss in the comments!
