Emma Raducanu's search for a first victory in 2026 was put on hold on Tuesday after persistent rain forced the suspension of her opening match at the Hobart International.
Hobart Halt for Top Seed
The British number one, using the tournament as crucial preparation for next week's Australian Open in Melbourne, saw her clash with Colombia's Camila Osorio interrupted twice by the elements. The match was officially called off for the day with Raducanu leading 6-3, 1-4 in the second set, after only three points could be played following an initial 45-minute delay.
Raducanu had made a strong start on the Tasmanian hard courts, seizing the first set 6-3 in a commanding display. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second. After racing to a 40-0 lead in the opening game, the Brit was broken, and despite hitting back immediately, she then lost three consecutive games to trail 4-1.
Weather Offers a Respite
The inclement weather arrived at a potentially helpful moment for the tournament's top seed, halting Osorio's fightback. Play is now scheduled to resume not before 2:00 AM GMT on Wednesday. Raducanu will be hoping to regroup overnight and secure her place in the second round, having lost her only match of the season so far at the United Cup in Perth.
Mixed Fortunes for Brits Down Under
It was a challenging day overall for British players in Australian Open warm-up events. In Adelaide, Jacob Fearnley, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser after qualifying defeat, was unable to capitalise on his second chance. The British number three fell 6-3, 6-4 to France's Quentin Halys.
Over in Melbourne Park's qualifying tournament, Harriet Dart provided a rare bright spot. The world number 111 battled past Australia's Destanee Aiava in three sets, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. She remains two wins away from a main draw spot, with Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee next in her path.
There was disappointment for other British hopefuls in qualifying:
- Mimi Xu: The teenager was defeated 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 by Darja Vidmanova.
- Billy Harris: Lost to Chris Rodesch.
- Ryan Peniston: Won just two games in a loss to Roman Andres Burruchaga.
- Jan Choinski: Also suffered defeat.
All eyes will now return to Hobart on Wednesday as Raducanu aims to complete her interrupted match and build much-needed momentum ahead of the year's first Grand Slam.
