In Australia, Emma Raducanu exited the Australian Open after losing to Anastasia Potapova in the second round on January 17, 2026. Raducanu admitted that she felt a lack of match sharpness and struggled significantly with her forehand, contributing to her defeat with a score of 7-6, 6-2. This loss prompted her to criticize her own performance, indicating a need for change. Following this defeat, Raducanu expressed a desire for a tactical shift to regain the playing style that brought her success when she won the US Open at just 18 years old. Raducanu believes a misalignment between her current playing style and how she wishes to play is affecting her performance. During her match against Potapova, despite initially leading 5-3 in the first set, Raducanu could not maintain her momentum and ultimately faltered under pressure. The windy conditions at the tournament also posed challenges for both players, particularly for Raducanu, who had struggled with a foot injury prior to the event. Over the past few years, Raducanu's journey has been marked by a series of coaching changes, which have hindered her ability to build consistency in her results. The young athlete has expressed frustration with trying to adapt her game while also recalling the simpler, more aggressive style that served her well in her earlier days. She articulated the importance of returning to a style of play that emphasizes hitting the ball to the corners with power, as she did when she was younger. Looking ahead, Raducanu’s immediate plan includes taking a few days to reflect on her performance, reviewing match footage, and identifying areas for improvement. She intends to work on regaining her tennis identity, focusing particularly on stabilizing her forehand, which has been unreliable. As she prepares for her next matches—including participation in the Transylvania Open in Romania—Raducanu remains hopeful about finding a more consistent and effective approach in her game.