Emma Raducanu moved into the second round of Indian Wells with a composed performance, defeating qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-2, 6-3. The British player will face a tougher test against Dayana Yastremska, the 30th seed, on Saturday.
“Super important for me to get through that. It’s one of the trickiest tournaments conditions-wise because it varies so much. I dealt with that really well and overcame a really tough opponent who is dangerous in these conditions,” Raducanu told Sky Sports Tennis, referring to the slow, high-bouncing and windy conditions in the desert.
Raducanu was sharp from the first point, returning well and exposing Masarova’s movement with precise ball-striking, particularly on her backhand. She showed greater patience than in recent matches, choosing her moments to attack. Despite a brief lapse where she dropped serve with three double faults at 3-0, she regained composure to close out the first set.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Raducanu building a 3-0 lead before losing focus. However, she remained strong in decisive moments and secured victory on her fourth match point. “I really enjoy playing in America, some of my best results have been here, so I am very happy to be back,” she added.
The win is notable as Raducanu defends points from her fourth-round run last year, a highlight since her US Open triumph. Currently ranked No 250, she now moves to around 315, but says she is not focused on rankings. Instead, she prioritises development after recent training at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
Raducanu’s next opponent, Yastremska, reached the Australian Open semi-finals this year. Elsewhere, Caroline Wozniacki beat Zhu Lin 7-6(6), 6-1 to set up a match against Donna Vekic, while Simona Halep announced she will return at the Miami Open after her doping ban was reduced.
