The British ace booked a third-round meeting with the world number two after a straight-sets win over Amanda Anisimova in Melbourne on Thursday (16.01.25) and knows she will have to raise her level considerably if she is to defeat the five-time Grand Slam winner.

Raducanu told Eurosport: "[I probably have to reach] 15th gear if that exists.

"It’s a great opportunity for me. I can just go out there and swing, play, enjoy the atmosphere. I’m looking forward to it. It’s the [fourth] time that we play. It’s going to be a great match, and a great opportunity for me to play in front of an amazing atmosphere, which I love the most."

It is the first time that Raducanu has reached round three Down Under and she was proud of her performance against an opponent she sees as a "friend".

The former US Open winner said: "I’m incredibly proud of myself for getting through that match.

"Before, I was a little bit more nervous. Playing a friend was really difficult. I’m so happy and proud of the way I fought through the second set. I had some teething problems again with my serve but I managed to get it going in patches, and it helped me out as well."

Raducanu added: "I played better today.

"I haven’t played many matches. It’s difficult going straight in and playing a top seed like (Ekaterina) Alexandrova, but I’m happy with how I was able to build on that performance. I knew today that I wasn’t going to get around pushing the ball. When I did, she punished me straight away. I had to take my chances, and I’m sure it’s going to be the same in the next round."