“Fourth time lucky”: Emma Raducanu bests friend Anisimova, books Iga Swiatek clash at Australian Open

Emma Raducanu played her first Australian Open less than six months after shocking the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. Three years later, she’s finally got the hang of the conditions Down Under and is into the third round with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Amanda Anisimova.

Before departing Kia Arena, Raducanu cheekily wrote “Fourth time lucky” on the camera lens in tribute to her milestone victory.

“This is a Slam I love playing at, so to make it past the second round means a lot to me, and I get to play another match. I thought the support was so good, and it was an amazing atmosphere today and in my first-round match,” she said, thanking the crowd for their support.

A former world No. 10, Raducanu trailed Anisimova, a good friend off the court, by break deficits in both sets but roared back each time to put herself on the precipice of the second week—but No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek stands in her way.

Obviously, she’s achieved so much already, and I think going into it I have nothing to lose. I’m just going to swing, give it my best and I can’t wait to play in front of you guys. Emma Raducanu on facing Iga Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open third round

“I think the crowd likes it!” joked Raducanu amid gasps from the crowd at the news she’ll face the former world No. 1. “It’ll be a very good match for me. Every match I can play against these top opponents, I’m loving it and it’s another opportunity for me to test my game, see where I’m at. We’ve played twice before on clay, so let’s see on hard court.

“Obviously, she’s achieved so much already, and I think going into it I have nothing to lose,” added the Brit. “I’m just going to swing, give it my best and I can’t wait to play in front of you guys.”

Still just 22 years old, Raducanu has endured numerous injuries since nabbing the trophy in Flushing Meadows, but ended 2024 on an encouraging note with a strong week at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

Playing her first event of 2025 at the Australian Open, she opened with a strong victory over No. 26 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. Despite a potentially worrying medical timeout in the second set, weathered another powerful opponent in Anisimova, who has reached the fourth round in Melbourne three times.

“It’s incredibly difficult whenever you play a friend. It adds another dimension to the match, and not necessarily a pleasant one. It’s really difficult to put all things off court aside, but I managed to do a great job today.

“She’s such an amazing opponent who has had so many big wins, so I knew I had to fight hard, raise my game and not go away in the second set even when the chips were down. I’m just really pleased and I wished her all the best.”

Swiatek will indeed present an even bigger test for Raducanu; in addition to her two clay-court wins in Stuttgart, the Pole got the better of Raducanu on hard courts at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. The world No. 2 is also looking to reclaim the top spot in the WTA rankings, and can edge Coco Gauff out of the race by reaching the fourth round.

Might Raducanu make it fourth time lucky again on Saturday?