Emma Raducanu’s official seeding for Australian Open confirmed

Emma Raducanu will be the 28th seed at the 2026 Australian Open.

The seedings have been revealed for the first Grand Slam of 2026, which begins in a week’s time.

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The 23-year-old British number one has been boosted by the fact she will be seeded at Melbourne Park this year.

It means she will avoid the best players in the world in the opening rounds, with Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek the first and second seeds, respectively.

Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open

Raducanu has never lost in the first round of the Australian Open, having made four appearances.

Her best run was to the third round in 2025 and the fact she is seeded this year could bode well for a deep run.

Speaking on the Australian Open, Raducanu said: “I need to get used to the conditions and the courts. In particular the wind is quite strong here.

“So, getting used to that, adjusting the game, probably accepting that you’re not going to feel like you’re hitting the ball amazingly because it’s a lot of adapting and improvising.

“But it’s all part of the skill set that you need to play in all types of conditions so I think it will also be a good test and challenge for that.”

Emma Raducanu’s injuries

The 2021 US Open winner ended her 2025 season early during the Asian swing due to illness and fatigue.

She then dealt with a minor foot injury over the winter period that she has been battling ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Raducanu was forced to withdraw from her United Cup match against Naomi Osaka.

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Tim Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine: “I’ve got to be honest, she was very, very close.

“It was not any easy decision. She had been building up and practising really well.”

Raducanu herself did not delve into just how bad the problem was.

She later said: “I think, at the end of the day, it’s a team event and Katie’s [Swan] playing great so it gives me an extra day.”

Emma Raducanu’s next match

Raducanu has entered the Hobart International and will be the top seed.

There will be a short turnaround to the Australian Open if she has a deep run.

The Australian Open will begin on Sunday, January 17.