2021 US Open Champion Emma Raducanu was soundly beaten by World No 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round of Indian Wells. The 20-year-old had been in good form in the opening rounds of the tournament and has shown some of her best tennis since winning her first Grand Slam in New York. However, her showdown with the top seed provided a bridge too far.
The British number one started with encouraging exchanges but Swiatek soon took charge of the match with ruthless tennis. Eventually the defending champion claimed the victory 6-3 6-1 to reach the quarter finals.
Raducanu was full of praise for her Polish opponent after the match and said she will take encouragement from her performance in California. She was playing in her first tournament since the Australian Open in January and had reached the last 16 at Indian Wells for the first time.
In the men’s draw there was better news for the British contingent after Cameron Norrie beat Russian Andrey Rublev in straight sets 6-2 6-4. The British number one won the event in 2021 and seemed to struggle with his serve throughout the contest. Fortunately for Norrie he was able to convert all five break points against Rublev which helped secure the win.
There was disappointment for Britain’s Jack Draper after he had to withdraw from his match with Carlos Alcaraz with a stomach injury. Draper set up the match against the World No 2 after he beat his long term hero Andy Murray in the pervious round. The Brit losing 6-2 2-0 at the time of his retirement. Alcaraz will replace Novak Djokovic as World No 1 if he goes on to win the tournament.