Raducanu has been applying the finishing touches to her preparations (Picture: PAUL CROCK/AFP via Getty Images)
Emma Raducanu has declared herself fit to play in the Australian Open 2023 after doubts were raised over her participation in the first Grand Slam of the year.
The 20 year-old was in tears after twisting her ankle in the ASB Classic in Auckland on January 5, leaving her team with a desperate race to get her fit enough to feature in Melbourne.
Raducanu has had a well documented struggle with form and fitness since winning the US Open in 2021, and will be looking for a significant improvement in fortunes in 2023 having slipped down to 75th in the rankings.
Here is everything you need to know about Raducanu’s opening match at this year’s Australian Open.
When is Emma Raducanu’s first match at the Australian Open?
Raducanu’s first round match will take place on Monday, January 16 at 11am local time in Melbourne (midnight UK time).
Raducanu will be eyeing a spot in the second round (Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
This will only be Raducanu’s third ever match at the Australian Open, after reaching the second round in last year’s edition on her debut.
Who is Emma Raducanu playing in the first round?
Raducanu will face Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch in round one.
The world number 74 is playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the fourth time in her career, and for the first time ever at the Australian Open.
The 27 year-old was defeated by Britain’s Heather Watson in the first round of Wimbledon last year.
The only other time that Raducanu and Korpatsch have faced one another was at the Stuttgart Open in April 2022, with Raducanu winning 6-0, 2-6, 6-1.
If Raducanu gets the better of Korpatsch, she will play Katerina Siniakova or Coco Gauff in the second round on Wednesday.
Korpatsch is Raducanu’s first opponent Down Under (Picture: Robert Prange/Getty Images)
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How to watch Emma Raducanu vs Tamara Korpatsch on TV
The Australian Open will be shown live on TV in the UK on Eurosport.
Around 250 hours of coverage will be shown across Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, with live streaming available on the Eurosport app and website.
Tennis fans will also be able to stream the tournament live and on-demand on discovery+ with an Entertainment & Sport pass for £6.99 a month, or for £59.99 a year.
MORE : Australian Open 2023: Date, UK start times, TV coverage and schedule
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Emma returns to Grand Slam action.
