Raducanu wins AGAIN! Battling Brit digs deep to beat Beatriz Haddad Maia at Indian Wells

Emma Raducanu advanced to the round of 16 of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells for the first time as she worked her way to a 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 win over 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Raducanu, who overcame a wrist injury and illness, had to push himself hard in a contest that lasted more than two hours before claiming a victory that ranks as his best since his 2021 US Open triumph.

Raducanu’s serve flowed at full speed as she steamed through the first set on 34 minutes, but gave it up in the second, the Brit committing four double faults as Haddad Maia turned the tide and Raducanu lost her opening set of the tournament.

The world number 77 saved a break point to hold it 2-2 in the decider before breaking the Brazilian for a 4-3 lead.

She set up two more break points, but Haddad Maia forced her to serve, which she duly did.

I am extremely happy with the way I fought and entrenched myself. [during] the third set,’ Raducanu said. “I lowered the intensity a bit in the second and against an opponent as big as Beatriz it’s enough. It’s a 6-2 set before you know it.

“I was very happy with the way I managed to get my focus and intensity back, and come back in the third.”

The victory is another promising sign for Raducanu, who has struggled to consistently regain the form that made her a US Open winner in 2021.

“To me, it’s pretty amazing,” he added. ‘I haven’t really prepared for this tournament, I haven’t really practiced.

“Coming here and playing at this level and being competitive is a great sign for me. I spent two excellent weeks at home in London. Seeing those who pass and show up on the court at crucial points is sometimes really exciting for me.

Raducanu will play world number one Iga Swiatek in the next round after she beat Bianca Andreescu.