The Brit will not have to go through qualifiers at the Australian Open thanks to American Lauren Davis’ withdrawal with a shoulder injury, easing her workload ahead of the Major, but any thigh issue did not seem to hamper the 21-year-old.
Before their clash, Raducanu heaped praise on Svitolina and was clearly aware of how tough a challenge she was about to face on just her second match in eight months.
“I think it’s great. I get to play Elina Svitolina. She’s been at the top for so long in the game,” Raducanu said. “She’s dominated. She’s obviously a great fighter and competitor. She came back after the break full on and made semis of Wimbledon. I’m really up for it. It’s a match I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
