Emma Raducanu has reached the last 16 of Indian Wells for the first time in her career, courtesy of a superb three-set victory over Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia.
It marks one of the most significant wins in the 2021 US Open champion's young career, as she overcame a top 50 player across three sets for the first time.
Despite being drawn against a highly accomplished and experienced opponent, currently enjoying one of the best spells of her career, the British No. 1 was ultimately able to outplay her powerful opponent in a gripping encounter in the Californian desert.
Fending off powerful left-handed serves, and navigating large amounts of looping top spin on a lively court, Raducanu's ability to flatten out the ball and dictate on her own aggressive rhythm won through in a tight contest.
Raducanu has now won three matches in a row for only the second time since lifting the US Open trophy in September 2021. What is most remarkable about this particular run is that she was severely hampered in her preparation for this tournament by a recurrence of the wrist injury that plagued her last year, and a bout of tonsillitis just a week prior to the start of this event. This decimated Emma's preparation, meaning she was not even able to practise before her opening match.
I haven’t really prepared for this tournament, I haven’t really practised. To come out here and play at this level and be competitive is a great sign for me. I did put two great weeks back home in London. To see those coming through and showing on the match court at crucial points sometimes is really exciting.
The current World No. 77 only decided to play her opening round match 20 minutes before it was due to start. Having come through that encounter while struggling physically, her health and form has since sky-rocketed.
Raducanu will face World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the next round in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.
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