Emma Raducanu suffers a heavy first-round defeat to Moyuka Uchijima, bidding an early farewell to Indian Wells. The Brit was inaccurate for much of the match, and the Japanese player claimed her first win at a WTA 1000 event with a 6-3, 6-2 victory, advancing to the second round where she will face Coco Gauff.
Uchijima continues to achieve strong results and is slowly starting to make a name for herself on tour. Just a year ago, she wasn't even in the top 150 and now stands at No. 51 in the live rankings, her best-ever position.
A few weeks ago, she shocked Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of Dubai, just days after the former French Open champion reached the Qatar Open final. The 23-year-old is beginning to look like an underdog for this season.
First Set
A first set in which neither player was able to impose themselves much from the service. Raducanu (No. 55) had a 76% first-serve rate but won just 45% of them and only 33% of second serves. Uchijima (No. 52) had a poor 46% first-serve rate, winning 42% of them and 57% of second serves. Both players earned more points on return.
The tone was set early when Raducanu took an early break and saved a couple of break points to go up 2-0. However, it was a fast start that soon faded as the Japanese player started hitting her shots, especially with her forehand, moving Raducanu from side to side on the court.
Uchijima won four consecutive games and took the lead 4-2. Although Raducanu recovered the break, it wasn't enough, as she lost her serve for the third time in a row, effectively handing the set to the Japanese player 6-3.
Set ☝️ in the books
— wta (@WTA) March 6, 2025
Moyuka Uchijima grabs the opener 6-3!#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/NaOFalZYA7
Second Set
An early break put Uchijima ahead 2-0, leaving Raducanu frustrated. Not only was she behind in the score, but she also looked overwhelmed in the rallies. The Brit failed to win four consecutive service games before finally securing her second service game of the match.
The Japanese player continued to dominate. Raducanu had three break points in the sixth game but failed to convert any of them. Uchijima finished the match with three consecutive games and sealed the victory 6-3, 6-2.
It was an erratic match for Raducanu, but there's no denying Uchijima’s merit. The Japanese player, who dominated ITF tournaments in 2024, is now a name to watch in the bigger events on tour. In the second round, she faces Coco Gauff with nothing to lose, while all the pressure will be on the local player, who is aiming to break a three-match losing streak.
Match Statistics Raducanu vs. Uchijima
| Raducanu | VS | Uchijima |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 2 | Aces | 2 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 72% (39/54) | 1st Service Percentage | 58% (34/59) |
| 49% (19/39) | 1st Service Points Won | 62% (21/34) |
| 33% (5/15) | 2nd Service Points Won | 54% (14/26) |
| 50% (5/10) | Break Points Saved | 60% (3/5) |
| 38% (3/8) | Service Games | 75% (6/8) |
| Return | ||
| 38% (13/34) | 1st Return Points Won | 51% (20/39) |
| 46% (12/26) | 2nd Return Points Won | 67% (10/15) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 24m | Match Duration | 1h 24m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
