© Getty Images Sport – Dave Rowland
Emma Raducanu has learned her Kooyong Classic opponent as the 2021 US Open champion will be facing off against Russian wunderkind Mirra Andreeva on Thursday, via Michal Samulski.
After kicking off her post-surgery comeback at the ASB Classic in Auckland, Raducanu signed up to get some more action this week in Kooyong. For over three decades, the Kooyong Stadium has been a very popular spot for players who want to get some additional preparation just days before the Australian Open.
Raducanu, who turned 21 in November, is now also set to experience playing at one of the most popular tennis exhibitions. Raducanu also has a very attractive name as an opponent since 16-year-old Andreeva – who made the Wimbledon round-of- 16 as a qualifier last year – is one of the most talented and promising players in women’s tennis.
Raducanu and Andreeva will play on Thursday.
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) January 8, 2024
Raducanu to play Andreeva in Kooyong ahead of the Australian Open
In Auckland, Raducanu went through two hard matches. After edging out Gabriela-Elena Ruse 6-3 4-6 7-5 in a thriller, Raducanu also played a long match against Elina Svitolina before the Ukrainian handed her a 6-7 (5 ) 7-6 (3) 6-1 defeat.
After losing in the Auckland round-of-16, Raducanu signed up for Kooyong and now she is guaranteed to play at least one match at the Kooyong Stadium this week.
However, the Kooyong Classic isn’t the only thing that Raducanu has on her schedule this week as the Briton is also set to meet Naomi Osaka in a charity match. That match will be played on Tuesday at Melbourne Park.
With that being said, Raducanu will appear in at least two matches this week. Although the matches that Raducanu is scheduled to play this week are just an exhibition, getting action of any sort will certainly benefit the 21-year-old.
Next week, Raducanu will have her third Australian Open campaign. Previously, Raducanu lost in back-to-back Australian Open second rounds in 2022 and 2023.