The highly anticipated first-round match between Britain's Emma Raducanu and Colombia's Camila Osorio at the Hobart International has been suspended due to rain, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance. Raducanu, seeking her first win of the 2026 season, was leading 6-3 2-4 when play was halted.
The match got off to a rocky start, with both players struggling to find their rhythm in the blustery conditions. Osorio, ranked 82nd in the world, was also battling a persistent cough, which seemed to affect her performance. The first three games of the first set went against serve, but Raducanu managed to regain her composure and take the opener in 45 minutes.
However, Osorio found her footing in the second set, hitting four winners in the opening game and using her sliced backhand drop shots to break Raducanu's serve. The Colombian's strategy seemed to be working, as Raducanu struggled to cope with the drop shots. Raducanu's decision not to chase down three shorter balls played by Osorio in the first set proved costly, as she lost some of her intensity after the first rain delay.
After a 30-minute break, the players returned to the court, but managed only two points before the heavy rain returned, forcing the suspension of play. Raducanu, who has been nursing a foot injury during the off-season, will have to regroup and refocus for the resumption of play on Wednesday. The 23-year-old is playing in her final tournament before the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday.
Raducanu's performance was a mixed bag, with some impressive ball-striking behind her forehand, but she struggled to cope with Osorio's unorthodox style. The Briton's change of intent, opting to work Osorio around the court instead of overpowering her in the rallies, allowed the Colombian to claim three successive breaks of serve in the second set.
The match between Raducanu and Osorio is a crucial one, as the winner will face Poland's Magdalena Frech in the quarter-finals. Frech, who defeated France's Elsa Jacquemot 6-4 6-0, will be waiting in the wings, eager to take on either Raducanu or Osorio.
In other news, Britain's Harriet Dart kept her Australian Open hopes alive by progressing to the second qualifying round in Melbourne. Dart, ranked 169th in the world, defeated Australia's Destanee Aiava 6-3 2-6 6-3 and will face Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee next. However, fellow Briton Mimi Xu's hopes were dashed by Czech player Darja Vidmanova, who won 6-3 2-6 6-2.
The men's draw also saw some notable results, with Ryan Peniston being beaten 6-1 6-1 by Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga. Billy Harris lost 6-3 6-4 to Chris Rodesch of Luxembourg, while Jan Choinski exited with a 6-3 6-4 defeat by Switzerland's Leandro Riedi. 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt, had his hopes of qualifying for his home slam ended by American Michael Zheng.
The Hobart International and Australian Open qualifying rounds continue to throw up exciting matches and unexpected results. As the tennis world gears up for the first Grand Slam of the year, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Will Raducanu be able to regain her momentum and overcome Osorio, or will the Colombian's unorthodox style prove too much for the Briton? Only time will tell.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
