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Emma Raducanu made short work of qualifier Rebeka Masarova at Indian Wells on Thursday, claiming a straight-sets victory to ease through the first round.
The 21-year-old, given a wild card at this tournament, set up a meeting with Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska as she got past Spanish qualifier Masarova 6-2 6-3 in an hour and 45 minutes as she claimed just her fourth victory in seven matches since returning from an eight-month injury layoff at the start of this year.
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Emma Raducanu says she appreciated the support of the American crowd after her comfortable first-round victory
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Raducanu was given a wonderful ovation after making an impressive start to her Indian Wells campaign
She told Sky Sports Tennis: “Super important I think for me to get through that. I really think it’s one of the trickiest tournaments conditions-wise to play because it varies so much. I think I dealt with that really well and overcame a really tough opponent who is dangerous in these conditions.
“I really enjoy playing in America, some of my best results have been here, so I am very happy to be back here playing. I really appreciate all the love I was receiving.”
Raducanu claimed the opening three games with a double break, then was broken herself in the fourth before hitting back to secure the first set.
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Raducanu showed her domination with a terrific backhand and then a well-timed smash!”
The second set followed the same pattern across the first four games, with the 2021 US Open champion going a double break up and Masarova replying by breaking back.
Raducanu subsequently wrapped things up with another break of Masarova’s serve, after her opponent had saved three match points, for her fourth win in eight matches in 2024.
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She caught Masarova out with this powerful backhand
Laura Robson: An up and down performance
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Sky Sports’ Laura Robson and Tim Henman analyse Emma Raducanu’s first-round win
“It was a bit up and down. She was helped by Masarova’s inconsistency. I wouldn’t say it was her best tennis but we can see what she’s working on. She’s trying to add more pace on the serve and angles. She’s moving to around 215 in the world so in contention for Grand Slam qualifiers.
“She will want to take advantage of the wild cards.”
Tim Henman on Raducanu’s foundations
“That work has got to be done on the practice court and in the gym but you want the reward on the court. You think 6-2 6-3 is pretty easy but it wasn’t and Raducanu will take a lot away just from one victory.”
Tale of the Tape
Who’s next for Raducanu?
Dayana Yastremska will take on Raducanu on Saturday
Raducanu, who reached the fourth round of Indian Wells last year, will now face 30th-seeded Ukrainian Yastremska on Saturday.
The Briton won their only previous meeting in 2022 when Yastremska was forced to retire while trailing in the second set due to a wrist injury.
“There’s going to be some heavy hitting,” said Robson. “It’s going to be a match where you’re not going to get much rhythm from Yastremska because it’s going to be a winner or an error.
“I think in some ways you know what you’re going to get but if you’re overthink a few of your shots then you’re going to get exposed. It’s going to be a fun one.”
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