Emma Raducanu's Indian Wells exit: A one-sided defeat to rising star Moyuka Uchijima
WTA
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 |
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Until Kygrios repents of his despicable behaviour towards Sinner on social media, he will continue to rack up injuries and he will NOT win another match.Rapunzel06-03-2025
- Now Raducanu is relegated to "training sessions" with event promoters?
mandoist02-03-2025 - What a poor video from WTA Ventures.MrAndreeva28-02-2025
- There's been no medical statement. Just players who ate at the same place. There's more to diarrhea attacks than just food when you're in Mexico.mandoist27-02-2025
- Send this guy back to Shakira. Ah no. Too late. She dumped him.MrAndreeva27-02-2025
- Dealing with mental issues and various instabilities is up to the person and those surrounding them to deal with; not the public. BTW: Such fragile personalities should never be anywhere near anti-Social Media... and apparently plastic chairs.mandoist25-02-2025
- FWIW: Ending a public farewell with a line like, "Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors," is a corporate Tool used by those whom had/have alternative reasons they do not wish to reveal.mandoist24-02-2025
- Lena does not need a special coach. She is not the same person she once was. Look at your photos -- when is the last time you saw that smile and sparkle in her eyes? When is the last time you saw her family in attendance? I believe it was once this season; sister Ana accompanied her to Australia. Perhaps Lena needs time away from tennis; time with professional help? If nothing else, her family should hold an intervention to snap her out of the hold Vukov has on her. It's sad to watch her lose matches she should be winning. Sadder still to see her vacuous facial expressions.mandoist24-02-2025
- Thank you, Boris!! Finally someone speaking common sense!! I am so sick of the stupid, ignorant comments by the players who have not READ THE FACTS!!!Rapunzel18-02-2025
- Thank you, Boris!! Finally someone speaking common sense!! I am so sick of the stupid, ignorant comments by the players who have not READ THE FACTS!!!Rapunzel18-02-2025
