Emma Raducanu has taken another step in shaping her build‑up to the 2026 Australian Open by adding the Hobart International to her early‑season schedule. The 2021 US Open champion is aiming for a strong start to the year as she looks to climb the rankings after an injury‑interrupted period.
Her participation in Hobart was confirmed through the tournament’s official Instagram account, which celebrated her arrival with the message: “Grand Slam champ vibes at Hobart 2026, brought to us by Emma Raducanu,” posted by the Hobart International team.
A key stop before Melbourne
The Hobart International, a WTA 250 event held at the Domain Tennis Centre in Tasmania, will run from January 12–17. Founded in 1994, the tournament has long served as a valuable warm‑up for players heading into the Australian Open. American McCartney Kessler enters as the defending champion.
For Raducanu, Hobart will be her second event of the season, following her appearance at the United Cup. The additional tournament gives her more match play ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam, an important factor as she continues her push to regain momentum on the tour.
Starting the year at the United Cup
Before heading to Tasmania, Raducanu will represent Great Britain at the 2026 United Cup, taking place from January 2–11 across Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. She will team up with ATP star Jack Draper in the mixed‑gender competition, offering both players valuable competitive rhythm to open the season.
Great Britain has been placed in Group E alongside Greece and Japan, with all group matches scheduled in Perth. The event will provide Raducanu with high‑level opposition early on, setting the tone for her January campaign.
A focused approach to 2026
By committing to both the United Cup and the Hobart International, Raducanu is clearly prioritizing match sharpness and consistency as she targets a breakthrough start to 2026. With a structured schedule and renewed momentum, she enters the new season with a clear opportunity to rise in the rankings and reestablish herself among the tour’s top competitors.
Emma Raducanu in 2025
Ranked no.29, Raducanu played her last match on the 14th of October when she lost to world no.169 Lin Zhu 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the 1st round in Ningbo (draw).
This year Emma owns an overall 28-22 match record. Emma Raducanu’s best performance of the current season was reaching the semifinal in Washington.
