Raguin reflects on historic Australian Open journey
Mqondisi Dube | Thursday January 29, 2026 13:27
Raguin missed a quarter-final spot after suffering a straight-sets 6-4, 6-3 defeat, but the rising star had already written his name in the history books.
He made it to the Round of 16 on debut as he became the first Motswana and only one of four players from Africa to feature at the season-opening Junior Grand Slam. Speaking to reporters after the historic feat, an unassuming Raguin was optimistic about the future. 'It is a lot of pride because it is historic what I am doing. I have been talked about a lot in Botswana; people here have come to support me. Today there was a big crowd, and it was amazing. It pushes me to fight until the end,' he said.
'The Australian Open is my favourite Grand Slam. I get to play on courts I might play on when I will be pro, hopefully. I am proud to be the first Botswana player to play here. I did not reach the quarterfinals, but I am pretty happy about my week and my last (J300) tournament in Traralgon,' he said. He noted the tournament in Traralgon, a precursor to the junior Australian Open, proved that he was on par with the best in the section. 'I played against the number three junior. I could have done better, but I put a lot of pressure on myself. I think it's because it's my first time playing in a big tournament. I will go back to train, fix a few stuff and hopefully at the next grand slam I can go further.'