Given twenty eighth seed Raducanu has struggled for consistency since successful the 2021 US Open, wanting too far forward in a draw nonetheless feels harmful.

However she has made encouraging strides over the previous 12 months, enhancing her health and exhibiting extra resilience.

If Raducanu goes on to face Sabalenka, it is going to present one other alternative to show she is able to beating the perfect.

All 4 of her defeats ultimately 12 months’s Grand Slams got here in opposition to the world’s main stars – who Raducanu mentioned had additional motivation to beat her.

Raducanu was handed one-sided defeats by six-time main champion Iga Swiatek on the Australian Open and French Open, after which examined Sabalenka at Wimbledon earlier than falling in straight units.

On the US Open, Raducanu claimed simply three video games as she was demolished by 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Taking the scalp of a star title is just not important, however it might show Raducanu has the power to beat one of the best. It could additionally guarantee the remainder of the locker room sharpens its give attention to her.

As a decrease seed, Raducanu knew she would face one of many prime eight within the Melbourne third spherical if she will get there.

Sabalenka most likely wouldn’t have been her first alternative.

Whereas Raducanu threatened to topple her in Cincinnati final 12 months, the 27-year-old Belarusian has a formidable report on the Australian onerous courts and received the Brisbane Worldwide final week.

There are not any ensures that Sabalenka will progress to the final 32.

But when she doesn’t beat 118th-ranked Rakotomanga Rajaonah, after which Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or a qualifier, it might be a seismic shock.