Emma Raducanu Issues Invite to Secret Weapon

By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, January 18, 2026
Photo credit: David Gray/AFP/Getty

Emma Raducanu has rebranded—thanks to an inspiring Melbourne Park fan.

Raducanu rallied from 2-4 down surging through seven straight games to sweep Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 in a smooth 71-minute Australian Open opener on Margarat Court Arena.

Afterward, Raducanu credited a vocal Aussie super fan bellowing “Radu!” for firing her up. Raducanu said she hopes the fan returns for round two when she will face new Austrian citizen Anastasia Potapova.

“Yeah, apparently Down Under I’ve got Radu. Never heard that before,” Raducanu said. “Pretty original.
Obviously I loved the support. I thought it was great on both sides.

“To have that on my side, really, in the big moments, it was a good spur of encouragement. I said,
of course, he can come to any match. I just need to try to locate him. Yeah, I hope he comes back.”

So if you’ve seen this heavily-tattooed super fan, let him know Raducanu has invited him back for the second round.

The 28th-seeded Raducanu, who improved to 5-0 in AO opening-round matches, said in addition to motivational support, the super fan yelled some tactical advice too.

While the timing of his cheering wasn’t always ideal, Raducanu said during moments when she felt flat, the fan’s cheering was a verbal wake-up call.

“I think, like, sometimes what they say ends up being a pretty good point. I’m like, Fair play.
Use your forehand, use your serve. It’s a good reminder,” Raducanu said. “Sometimes the timing could be worked on and coordinated. Maybe I’ll have a word with him before the next match.

“I think it depends. Obviously you can’t let it distract you. Sometimes you’ll hear something and you’ll feel yourself maybe getting a little bit flat for two, three points. You hear that, it kind of wakes you up.
It depends what they are saying obviously. But the guy today, I really enjoyed it.”

Next up for Raducanu is 55th-ranked Anastasia Potapova in what will be their maiden meeting. The winner of that match will play world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, if seeds hold true to form.

“She’s been very high ranked. I remember watching Anastasia all through juniors, number one Tennis Europe juniors, ITF. I was the year below her,” Raducanu said of Potapova. “She was always the player to watch and beat through juniors. She’s been very high ranked as well in the pros.

“She got a really tough match today so that must give her a lot of confidence. A big hitter. I know it’s going to be a really tricky one. I need to just gather my strength and prepare as best as possible for the next match.”