Emma Raducanu suffered an early sending off to Amanda Anisimova in Indian Wells, losing in the third round in 52 minutes.
The British star lost 1-6, 6-1 to the in-form American, a two-time major finalist.
Anisimova reached the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open last year and is ranked No. 6 in the world, and her level of play was on full display against Raducanu.
After parting ways with coach Francisco Roig earlier this year, Raducanu reunited with Mark Petchey on a daily basis during the tournament. Raducanu played well in the opening match, dispatching Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets, but struggled against Anisimova.
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Danial Khan was joined by Emma Raducanu to discuss his recent break-up with former coach Francis Roig and his recent mental health which has affected his performances.
The American broke the Englishman’s serve in the first game, putting Raducanu under pressure from the start.
Anisimova quickly took a 4-1 lead with a double break and didn’t let Raducanu win another game in the set.
She broke again to close out the first set, but to add to Raducanu’s woes, Anisimova broke again on her first chance of the second set.
Anisimova was in complete control, hitting Radukanu on the wrong foot with a stunning drop shot. Raducanu managed to take the game into his hands, but once again faced an ominous 4-1 deficit in the second set, the Briton could not find a response.
Raducanu suffered another break, allowing Anisimova to serve out.
She scored a clear and clinical victory over the Englishman in just 52 minutes.
Sabalenka’s evolution
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jacqueline Christian on Sunday to advance to the last 16 at the Indian Wells Open.
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Highlights of Aryna Sabalenka vs. Jacqueline Cristian at Indian Wells.
Sabalenka won 6-4, 6-1. The 2025 runner-up is aiming for her first desert title after losing to Mira Andreeva in last year’s final.
She will next face Naomi Osaka, who defeated Camila Osorio 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 in three sets.
Sabalenka and Osaka will meet for the first time since the 2018 US Open, the only previous match that Osaka won.
In the men’s singles, second-seeded Yannik Sinner defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2 to advance.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells live on Sky Sports until March 15th. Stream tennis now with no contract required.
