Bromley’s Emma Raducanu is ready to thrive as the underdog when she takes on world number two Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Australian Open.

Raducanu came through the second round at Melbourne Park for the first time in four attempts, defeating Amanda Anisimova in an impressive straight set victory on Thursday.

The Brit has faced Swiatek four times and has yet to take a set against the Pole. However, Raducanu has cause to be optimistic, with the 22-year-old’s run at this year’s Australian Open the first time she has reached the third round of a hard court Grand Slam since winning the US Open in 2021.

Looking ahead to her round of 32 clash, Raducanu is comfortable with being the underdog against the five-time Grand Slam winner.

“Swiatek is a top player,” said the Brit. “She’s been really consistent for quite a few years. It is going to be a match without many external expectations of me.

“You always have the pressure you put on yourself to perform to your best ability, which is not really going to change, but that is every match.

“I’m going to enjoy playing in a great atmosphere. In the last two matches I’ve had, the crowd has been amazing with the support here. I’ve really felt at home. It’s just been a really nice feeling to be a part of.

“I’m looking forward to going out there and testing my game against the best because, ultimately, you play tennis and you live for these matches. It’s going to be a great buzz of adrenaline.”

Despite Raducanu coming through her first two matches in 2025 with straight set victories, the British number two has been struggling with a back injury which forced her to pull out of the Auckland Classic earlier this month.

Following her win on Thursday, Raducanu shared she would have a moderate training session on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s tough test.

“I’ll probably just take it easy tomorrow, probably have a light hit, nothing crazy. I’ve played a lot of tennis today and two days ago, so I don’t think I need to overdo it on the practice court. 
Just to keep the body ticking over a little bit and recover really.

“I can feel [the back spasms] a bit, but I still have some time.”

Raducanu is the last Briton standing in the women's draw with Saturday’s play schedule due to be confirmed on Friday morning at 7 am (UK).