Emma Raducanu, ranked 250, lost to world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Her ranking dropped after a long injury lay-off in 2023. Emma lost in straight sets on Monday as Britain’s Cameron Norrie was also beaten.
Emma Raducanu, the Canadian born is out of Indian Wells. She joined Cameron Norri after getting crushed by Aryna Sabalenka on 6-3, 7-5 in the third round. Another brit who also lost on a frustrating day for the English.
Having lost the second set, Raducanu fought hard but was overwhelmed at times by Australian Open champion Sabalenka. Emma is still yet to win against a top-10 player on the WTA Tour. Also Read: Breaking: Elena Rybakina pulls out of Indian Wells with illness
She will be encouraged by her performance, as the 21-year-old produced some of her best tennis this year. Her next anticipated appearance is slated for the Miami Open, commencing on March 20th.
“It was a tough match, she played unbelievable tennis and I am super happy with the level,” Sabalenka said post-match. Also Read: Novak Djokovic clinches 400th win at ATP Masters 1000, lags behind Rafael Nadal
“I’m super happy to get through. I thought that the atmosphere would be different. You guys brought the best atmosphere, so thank you so much for the support.”
“I wasn’t rushing things and just staying with myself and controlling myself. I was doing everything I can to win this match. That was the key.”
The four opening games of the match were split before Sabalenka found the breakthrough in the middle of the first set. She quickly surged ahead to a 5-2 lead before securing the set.
It seemed like the Belarusian was going to comfortably win the second set as well when she again broke at 2-2. But Raducanu showed her fighting spirit and started reading the ball better, leading to a tie at 3-3.
Sabalenka was given a warning for her conduct later in the match. Because she grew frustrated as Raducanu held serve and she shouted something following an unforced error.
A rare break-point chance came in the eighth game for Raducanu. But she failed to take it as the match quickly went to 5-5.
Sabalenka broke ahead to take a 6-5 lead and then served for the match. She clinched the winning point after four attempts, securing her spot in the last 16. She will face American Emma Navarro, who defeated Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in three sets.
There are doubts among many if Emma Raducanu can work her way up and make a comeback in the rankings. Emma’s tennis skills are at a high level, given she overcomes the injuries and trains properly. However, there are other challenges to overcome. Such as managing the mental and emotional aspects of the game, which can only be learned through experience. Everything is still very new for her, and it’s a learning process.