Raducanu fizzles in Indian Wells opener, falls to Sasnovich in first match since US Open title run
WTASaturday, 09 October 2021 at 04:52
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.
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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
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- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
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- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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