Emma Raducanu’s road to the Australian Open just got a little bumpier.
The British No. 1 was knocked out of the Hobart International quarterfinals in straight sets, falling 6-2, 6-4 to 20-year-old Australian Taylah Preston - a result that not only surprised the crowd but also marked one of the more unexpected defeats of Raducanu’s career.
Let’s put this into perspective: Preston came into the tournament ranked No. 204 in the world. For Raducanu, this is only the second time she’s lost to someone outside the top 200.
That’s not just a stat - it’s a signal. Whether it’s rust, rhythm, or readiness, something was off.
And it started early. Raducanu actually opened the match with a break, showing glimpses of the aggressive return game that helped her storm onto the scene a few seasons ago.
But that edge didn’t last long. Preston immediately broke back, held serve, and then the skies opened - literally.
A rain delay paused the match for an hour, and when play resumed, it was all Preston.
The Aussie came out swinging, dictating points with fearless shot-making and putting Raducanu on the defensive. She broke twice more in the first set, racing to a 6-2 finish that had the home crowd buzzing.
To her credit, Raducanu didn’t fold. She upped the tempo in the second set, breaking early and trying to wrestle back control.
But every time she found a foothold, Preston slammed the door. The 20-year-old showed poise well beyond her ranking, painting lines and keeping her composure under pressure.
She broke back for 3-3, then again at 4-4, ultimately sealing the biggest win of her young career.
For Raducanu, this loss doesn’t derail her season - but it does raise questions. With the Australian Open draw already set, and a potential third-round clash with world No.
1 Aryna Sabalenka looming, this was a match where momentum mattered. Instead, she’ll head to Melbourne looking to reset, refocus, and recapture the form that once made her the sport’s breakout star.
As for Preston? She’s riding a wave. The Hobart crowd has a new favorite, and if she keeps playing like this, she won’t be ranked outside the top 200 for much longer.