Raducanu Faces Challenging Australian Open Draw with Potential Sabalenka Rematch

Emma Raducanu has been dealt a difficult hand at the Australian Open, despite her seeded position, with a potential third-round rematch against world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka on the horizon. Raducanu, seeded 28th, will begin her campaign against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the first round, followed by a possible second-round match against either Austria's Anastasia Potapova or Netherlands' Suzan Lamens. A highly anticipated rematch with Sabalenka, who Raducanu faced in the third round of Wimbledon last year, could be on the cards. Meanwhile, pre-tournament favorite Sabalenka will kick off her bid for a third Australian Open title against French wild card Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, while six-time major champion Iga Swiatek will face a qualifier, with a potential fourth-round meeting against Naomi Osaka in the second week. Britain's Katie Boulter, a last-minute entry into the main draw, has a tough opener against in-form 10th seed Belinda Bencic, while other British players, including Sonay Kartal and Francesca Jones, will also be in action. On the men's side, Novak Djokovic has been drawn in the same half as defending champion Jannik Sinner as he pursues his 25th Grand Slam title, despite concerns over his fitness following a neck problem. Djokovic will face Spain's Pedro Martinez in his first match, while Sinner will take on France's Hugo Gaston and Carlos Alcaraz will play Australia's Adam Walton.