Raducanu exits Indian Wells after swift loss to Anisimova
Emma Raducanu endured a decisive defeat in just 52 minutes against Amanda Anisimova during the third round at Indian Wells. The British No. 1, seeded 25th, was outplayed by the American world No. 6, losing 6-1, 6-1.
Raducanu appeared to struggle physically throughout the match, frequently opting not to pursue drop shots. The 23-year-old’s first serve was inconsistent, and she managed only two winners compared to Anisimova’s 21.
“I think I can be very pleased with my performance today,” Anisimova said in her on-court interview. “I had a tough first round so just went out to be fearless. I wanted to enjoy it and wanted to keep the run going.”
Sabalenka advances to face Osaka in last 16
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka progressed comfortably to the last 16 with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian. Sabalenka is set to face Naomi Osaka, who overcame Camila Osorio of Colombia in a three-set match, winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-1.
“I can only say that I tried to be more positive,” Osaka reflected on the third set. “I feel like the second set I was complaining a lot and then I just kind of thought my daughter could be watching me mope around the court. So I needed to pick up my attitude and that’s kind of what I did in the third.”
Men’s draw: Sinner and Zverev advance
In the men’s competition, second seed Jannik Sinner secured his place in the last 16 after a 6-3, 6-2 win over Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in 71 minutes.
“It’s a very tough second match for me,” Sinner said. “He’s a very high quality player … he had great wins in the past so I’m very happy about today’s performance.”
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev faced a more challenging encounter, defeating Brandon Nakashima 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in just over two and a half hours.
“He played a fantastic match today,” Zverev commented on Nakashima, who served 17 aces compared to Zverev’s 15. “He served like I have never seen before. He was hitting his spots well. Every ace was more or less on the line for him, so I’ve got to give credit to him. He played a great match.”
