Emma Raducanu may already have etched her name into tennis history as a Grand Slam champion, but her career continues to present fresh situations that test her adaptability both on and off the court. Her first-round encounter at the Australian Open against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew offered exactly that, as Raducanu found herself dealing with the unfamiliar challenge of a late-night start on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Night matches at Grand Slam tournaments can be demanding, both physically and mentally. For Raducanu, this was particularly unusual territory. Before this contest in Melbourne, she had played only one other night match at a major tournament, the memorable 2021 US Open semi-final, which ultimately led to her historic title run. That experience, while positive, was rare, meaning she had to carefully rethink how to structure her day ahead of the match in Australia.
Despite the late start, the outcome was decisive. Raducanu grew increasingly comfortable as the match progressed, shaking off a tentative opening to secure a confident 6-4, 6-1 victory. By Melbourne Park standards, the match ended relatively early, finishing before 11pm local time. The British number one’s improved rhythm and assertiveness were clear as she settled into the contest and began dictating play.
Preparing for a night match required a shift in routine. Rather than following her usual schedule, Raducanu opted for a relaxed approach earlier in the day. She began with a calm morning, enjoying breakfast before taking a gentle walk along Melbourne’s busy riverside. The aim was not to conserve energy alone, but also to remain mentally fresh without overthinking the upcoming challenge.
Raducanu explained how she deliberately kept things low-key, describing the day as a balance between staying loose and knowing when to switch focus on. After her walk, she returned for treatment, spent time chatting with her team, and even took a nap to ensure she felt rested later in the evening. This careful planning allowed her to arrive at Melbourne Park around 5:30pm, easing into her match preparation without feeling rushed.
Once on site, she followed her familiar pre-match routines, including a short practice session around 6pm. Although she admits to being something of a night owl by nature, Raducanu acknowledged that playing competitive tennis late in the evening presents a different challenge altogether. Managing energy levels, concentration, and timing becomes crucial, especially when the body is accustomed to earlier starts.
When Raducanu eventually stepped onto the court shortly after 9pm, the early stages were not without difficulty. Errors crept into her game as she searched for timing and rhythm. However, as the match unfolded, her confidence grew noticeably. Her movement improved, her shot selection became sharper, and she began to assert control over rallies, forcing errors from her opponent and taking charge of the scoreboard.
Waiting throughout the day before a match is something most professional players are used to, and Raducanu is no exception. Still, the unpredictability of scheduling can add an extra layer of complexity. Fellow Briton Cameron Norrie experienced a similarly testing day, arriving at the venue early in the morning under the assumption he would play mid-afternoon, only to see earlier matches run long.
Norrie eventually did not take to the court until around 6:30pm and battled through a demanding five-set match against France’s Benjamin Bonzi. His match finished shortly before Raducanu wrapped up her own victory, underlining how fluid and unpredictable Grand Slam schedules can be. Such delays require players to remain flexible and mentally resilient, adjusting plans on the fly.
Raducanu has openly discussed how learning to cope with night matches is an ongoing process. She views it as “half the battle,” particularly when it comes to managing when to relax and when to mentally engage. Over time, she has experimented with different routines, learning from experience what works best for her body and mindset.
Encouragingly, she felt positive heading into the match against Sawangkaew, noting that the relatively short duration of the preceding match helped prevent an excessively late start. That small factor made a noticeable difference, allowing her to compete with clarity and focus rather than fatigue.
As Raducanu continues her journey at the Australian Open, experiences like this will only add to her growth as a player. Adapting to varying schedules, environments, and pressures is part of life at the top of professional tennis. For Raducanu, each new challenge represents another step in refining her approach, both mentally and physically.
Her ability to adjust, remain composed, and deliver when it matters suggests a growing maturity that could prove invaluable as the tournament progresses. While the spotlight will always follow a Grand Slam champion, it is moments like these, away from the biggest headlines, that quietly shape long-term success.
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