After 2hr 20mins of fascinating drama, Raducanu was home by a 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 scoreline. This was only the second time since her drive to the US Open title that she had won three matches at the same event, and Indian Wells is a much bigger deal than Seoul (which is where she reached the semi-finals in September before retiring with injury).
Indian Wells also has a much bigger draw – of 96 players as opposed to Seoul’s 32 – so she is only into the last 16. But this win certainly reminded everyone of the qualities that carried her to her stunning title run in New York – namely innate competitiveness, great heart, wonderful athleticism and sound technique.
“I’m extremely happy with the way I fought and hung in in the third set,” said Raducanu afterwards. “I managed to regain my focus and intensity.
“It’s pretty amazing for me. I haven’t really prepared for this tournament. I haven’t really practised. So to come out here and perform at this level and be competitive is a great sign for me.
“I just had two great weeks [of training] back home in London, and to see those coming through and showing on the match court at crucial points sometimes is very exciting to me. Right now, I’m focused on just getting back, resting and recovering for tomorrow, because this was a tough match in the heat.”
