How does Emma Raducanu keep doing it? The Brit entered Melbourne with back spasms disrupting her preparations. Doubts were raised as to how far she would get. Would she succumb to the pressure or try to fight her way through? People got their reply when against Amanda Anisimova, despite receiving treatment for a lower back issue mid-match, Emma swept away her first-round jitters with a terrific 6-3, 7-5 victory. Now for the real question: was it only her brilliance that had Melbourne buzzing, or her celebration?

Emma Raducanu’s celebration that involved “pointing to the head” while up 5-3 in the first set caught the eye, but its source may surprise some. Raducanu revealed in the press conference that it could actually be credited to fellow Brit Katie Boulter, who shares a very similar celebration. Raducanu said, “I mean, I don’t know if Katie Boulter saw that. She might have a little word, but I think she might be the OG of that one. We’re good mates, so I’m sure she’ll forgive me for using it in tough moments. It was just about sticking it out really tough.”

Reflecting on the turning point in the match, Emma Raducanu shared her thoughts on overcoming early nerves, “It was a really good service game for me. I was able to really go for it on my first serve, and considering that I was a little bit edgy earlier in the match, being able to get over that in the moment felt great. Kind of a little ‘you got this’ for myself,” she said.

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu share a bond that goes beyond tennis. It’s a bond of respect and support. Raducanu’s return to Team GB for the Billie Jean King Cup last year, after an injury absence, prompted Boulter to express how much she values her compatriot’s presence. “We’ve missed her,” Boulter said with warmth. “The most important thing is that she’s healthy, and I wish her that more than anything.” Recently, Raducanu also shared her joy over Boulter’s engagement to Australian star Alex de Minaur, commenting “Congrats!” on the couple’s celebratory post.

While Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu share the camaraderie of flying the British flag, their journeys at the Australian Open couldn’t be more different. Boulter, seeded 22nd, had an emotional second-round exit after putting up a tremendous fight against Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova. It was a beyond passionate contest that ended with a 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-2 defeat at Melbourne Park.

Boulter had her moments during the match, especially in set two when she capitalized on inconsistencies in her opponent’s game and raised hopes for a turnaround. Yet, untimely unforced errors and sloppy serving derailed her momentum. Boulter, naturally sighed with disappointment after the match, stated, “Of course, this loss is painful. But I am one who is determined to show up. You know, my moment is coming; I have to believe it.”

Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu continues to go further, but her road is getting tougher with each step. Progress to the third round means the British star is edging closer to her dream, yet a formidable challenge lies ahead. The world No. 2 is now set to battle with Iga Swiatek in the next round, and it looks anything but an easy outing.

Emma Raducanu braces for Iga Swiatek Showdown

Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open third round? Doesn’t get any better. For Raducanu, it’s a chance to make a mark, having battled her way through to the third round in Melbourne for the first time. Swiatek is also still searching for her first Australian Open title after making her best appearance in the semifinals in 2022.

Speaking of the match, Raducanu said, “It will be a fantastic match for me. I relish every chance to compete against top players. I have nothing to lose; I will just swing for it and give my all.” Swiatek also knows what is coming her way. “You actually know more than I do because I thought we had only met twice! Regardless, it’s certain that this will be a tough match, as Emma is capable of great tennis,” the former world no 1 stated

The head-to-head record favors Swiatek as Raducanu is still looking for her first victory against the World No. 2. The two players have met three times before, with each encounter ending in Swiatek’s favor. Yet, despite these losses, there’s an air of optimism surrounding Raducanu. John McEnroe recently praised her, saying it’s exciting to see her “back in the mix.” Can the Brit live up to the expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.