Emma Raducanu starts rankings recovery with impressive Indian Wells win
Emma Raducanu is facing a big drop in the WTA rankings if she fails to make progress at the Indian Wells Masters, yet the 2021 US Open champion started to address that concern with a victory in her opening match.
The 21-year-old Briton, 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.
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.
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.
She told Sky Sports: “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.
“I’m very happy to be back here playing and to see the top tier full. I really appreciate them coming out and all the love I was receiving.
“It was super important for me to get through that match. It’s one of trickiest tournaments to play in condition-wise because it varies so much between day and night. Hour, sun. placement so I think I dealt with it and I overcame a really tough opponent.”
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop ahead of return to WTA Tour
Raducanu is defending a lot of WTA points after her run to the fourth round at Indian Wells last year and as a result, she dropped outside of the top 300 in the live rankings this week.
This win ensures the former world No 10 is now at No 316 in the live rankings and she will be comfortably back in top 300 if she beats Yastremska in her second round match.
A clash with Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka could lie in wait for Raducanu if she reaches the third round, with former British No 1’s Laura Robson and Tim Henman suggesting improvements are needed after an erratic display from the youngster.
“It was a bit up and down,” said Robson on Sky Sports.
“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.”
Henman added similar sentiments as he said: “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.”
Robson also looked forward to the second round match-up with Yastremska, as she looked forward to a power-packed match.
“There’s going to be some heavy hitting. 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,” added Robson.
“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.”
