Raducanu fizzles in Indian Wells opener, falls to Sasnovich in first match since US Open title run

Reality struck hard for Emma Raducanu on Friday night, as the reigning US Open champion put on a subpar performance before falling to Aliaksandra Sasnovich in her first match at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells tournament.

Playing in her first event since her amazing run to the US Open title, which she won as a qualifier, Raducanu looked out-of-sorts in her second round match against Sasnovich. The Belarusian appeared to be the more composed player, steamrolling her British opponent in a 6-2 6-4 victory.

After obtaining an early break in the first set to lead 2-1, Sasnovich never looked back as she controlled play from the baseline. Furthermore, Raducanu seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion, committing numerous errors on routine shots as she surrendered a second break and the first set in just 30 minutes.

Spurred on by a crowd that was eager to see her succeed, the 18-year old Brit battled back to keep things close in the second set. Raducanu obtained a break to lead 4-2, but quickly lost her advantage as Sasnovich remained unflappable. The World No.100 would win four consecutive games to end the teenager's unbeaten streak since the US Open, advancing to the third round in an hour and 25 minutes.

After dispatching of the 17th seed, Sasnovich will face former World No.1 Simona Halep for a spot in the round of 16.