Emma Raducanu glad ex-coach quit and bats away ‘dig at her father’ before Australian Open | Tennis | Sport

“I mean, for sure. It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t worried at first, but I’ve just been so happy to be on the court. I’ve actually been swinging and playing surprisingly free and well. So yeah, I’m just so happy to be ready for Monday.

Korpatsch, 27, spent her early career going to tournaments in a camper van with her coach and father Thomas – and has yet to win a Grand Slam main draw match after losing to Heather Watson at Wimbledon.

Raducanu won their only previous meeting last year. “I already know her,” said the German. “I already played against her in Stuttgart on clay, it was three sets, I didn’t play my best.

“I know her now and maybe I can do it better. And this is a hard court. Okay. I love clay more than hard court but yeah, it will not be easy.

“She’s a very, very good player. It’s my first time here in Australia, also my first time in Melbourne so I’m very excited and I feel good. This is my fourth Grand Slam and I lost my first three so hopefully I can win this one.”