Emma Raducanu missed a valuable opportunity to push for a return to the WTA top 50 after an error-filled performance led to a 6-3, 6-2 defeat in the opening round of the WTA 1000 Indian Wells tournament against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima.
Raducanu’s serve proved to be her biggest issue once again, as she faced 10 break points and lost her serve five times during the match. The 2021 US Open champion also made too many unforced errors, with windy conditions contributing to both players’ struggles to find any rhythm.
Despite the challenging weather, Raducanu will be frustrated with her performance at a tournament she’s described as her favorite outside of the four Grand Slams.
Having reached the third round at Indian Wells last year, this early exit means her WTA ranking will drop, and she could fall out of the top 60 when the next rankings are updated.
This latest setback comes after a difficult few weeks for Raducanu, including a troubling incident at her previous tournament in Dubai. During her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, Raducanu was visibly distressed after being repeatedly targeted by a man displaying obsessive behavior, leading her to hide behind the umpire’s chair in tears.
Raducanu ultimately made a late decision to compete at Indian Wells after being assured of increased security at the event, though questions remain over how much practice she managed to fit in beforehand.
The loss to Uchijima marks her fifth defeat in her last six matches, leaving her with a decision to make about whether to remain in the United States to play in the Miami Open later this month. Having withdrawn from Miami last year, she may consider taking a break from competition.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is expected to represent Great Britain in next month’s Billie Jean King Cup tie against the Netherlands, followed by the start of the clay court season — historically her least favorite surface.
The broader challenge for Raducanu is finding consistency and developing a game plan that works in the sport’s biggest events. Her 2025 record so far stands at 3 wins and 6 losses — far from the form needed to earn a seeded spot at the French Open in May.
Despite these struggles, former British No. 1 Tim Henman remains optimistic, encouraging Raducanu to continue competing even if the results aren’t coming immediately. Henman believes that if she can stay healthy and play regularly, her talent will eventually shine through.
He noted that Raducanu played just 33 matches last year, with 11 of those on grass, leaving her with very little match experience over the rest of the season. Henman stressed the importance of consistent competition to build confidence and rhythm, suggesting that regular match play is crucial for her development.