Top seed Emma Raducanu will face Taylah Preston in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Hobart International. Both players will be looking to get some big wins before heading to the first Major of the year in Melbourne, with Raducanu looking to make her second final of her career since her US Open 2021 triumph.
Emma Raducanu vs. Taylah Preston Match Details
Date: Jan. 15, 2026
Tournament: Hobart International 2026
Round: Quarterfinals
Venue: Hobart International Tennis Center, Hobart, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, TSN, RDS, Sky Sports
Raducanu vs. Preston Head-to-Head
The head-to-head between the two is 0-0, as this will be their first meeting on the WTA Tour.
Raducanu began her 2026 season at the United Cup, where she lost her only match 3-6, 1-6, 6-1 against Maria Sakkari. However, the top seed had a better start at the Hobart International, winning 6-3, 7-6 (2) against Camila Osorio in the first round.
Preston started her season in the qualifiers of the Brisbane International and beat Oksana Selekhmeteva before losing to Shuai Zhang. The young Aussie then received a wildcard for the Hobart International and bagged her first main-draw win of 2026 by defeating fifth seef Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6(4). She then ousted Rebecca Šramková 6-4, 6-1 to book her place in the quarterfinals.
Raducanu vs. Preston Prediction
Raducanu will enter the match as the heavy favorite to win but Preston will be in high spirits after beating two higher-ranked opponents, one of whom was among the tournament’s top five seeds. The 20-year-old will also have the crowd on her side, so she shouldn’t be written off.
Raducanu’s first-serve numbers during her match against Osorio were disappointing, as she won only 28 out of 49 points (57.14%) and served just one ace while producing three double-faults. The Brit’s return numbers were decent, as she won 45 out of 82 points (54.9%). That said, it should be noted that Osorio served seven double-faults throughout the match.
Raducanu has a decent return game and can play aggressively, which is what she will hope to do against Preston. Her movement will also come in pretty handy.
Preston’s first-serve numbers in Hobart are slightly better than Raducanu’s, as she won 47 out of 80 points (58.8%) , serving 3 aces and four double faults. Her return numbers have also been better compared to the Brit, winning 74 out of 131 points (56.5%) .
Both players will have to be at their best, especially on their serves, as that could determine the outcome of the match. Given Raducanu’s quality, she has a good chance of coming out on top if she is at her best.
Pick:Â Raducanu to win in three sets.
