Emma Raducanu vs Moyuka Uchijima LIVE: Latest score and updates from first round clash at Indian Wells
The 22-year-old played her first match since distressing incident with ‘fixated man’ in Dubai
Emma Raducanu’s return to court ended in defeat as she was beaten in straight sets by Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
Raducanu, who was playing in her first tournament since being accosted on court by a ‘fixated man’ in Dubai started strongly and broke Uchijima’s serve in the first game before opening up a 2-0 lead.
The Japanese then mastered the windy and hot conditions to rattle off four games in a row and eventually claim the first set 6-3.
The second set opened in similar fashion but it was Raducanu who was broken in the first game and from there she was on the backfoot. The Brit found it tough to truly challenge Uchijima’s serve and her accuracy was slightly off meaning she racked up a lot on unforced errors.
Uchijima remained composed. She held her serve and won crucial points to inch slowly towards victory before ending the match with a hold to love for a 6-3 6-2 victory.
The USA’s Coco Gauff waits for Uchijima in the next round while Raducanu will head to the training courts to prepare for the Miami Open.
Relive the updates from Indian Wells:
Emma Raducanu moves on from Dubai incident but looks to improve ‘everything’ in her game
Emma Raducanu said she “did not feel anxious” on the court as she returned to action for the first time since dealing with a stalker at the Dubai Open last month.
The 22-year-old was beaten in straight sets by Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the first round of Indian Wells on Thursday amid extra security in California.
The former US Open champion reported unwanted attention from a “fixated” man last month in Dubai, who then turned up on court during her match against Karolina Muchova.
Raducanu has looked to move on from the incident and said will look to improve “everything” about her game following a 6-3 6-2 defeat to Uchijima in blustery conditions
Emma Raducanu moves on from Dubai incident but looks to improve ‘everything’
Emma Raducanu returns to action with straight sets defeat to Moyuka Uchijima
Emma Raducanu lost 6-3 6-2 to Japan's Moyuka Uchijima on her return to action in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
Raducanu was playing for the first time since dealing with a stalker at the Dubai Open last month.
The former US Open champion, 22, is receiving extra security in California after the man was able to approach her twice while she was alone.
Emma Raducanu returns to action with straight set defeat to Moyuka Uchijima
GAME, SET and MATCH! Emma Raducanu 3-6 2-6 Moyuka Uchijima
Okay. Will this be the last game of the match?
Moyuka Uchijima is serving for a place in the second round and starts by taking the first point.
The next rally sees her whip a forehand across court and Raducanu can’t get there. 30-0.
A failed backhand return gives the Japanese three match points...
... Raducanu goes long, Uchijima beats Raducanu in straight sets!
Emma Raducanu 3-6 2-5 Moyuka Uchijima*
That last game was a big hold for Uchijima and she goes on the offensive with the help of the wind.
A lofted shot is blown across court for Raducanu to chase it. That leaves the Brit out of position and Uchijima capitalises.
The Japanese moves 0-30 ahead against the serve before a wonderful backhand whip sets up three break points.
Uchijima breaks! That could be curtains for Raducanu.
*Emma Raducanu 3-6 2-4 Moyuka Uchijima
It’s a battle. Uchijima misses a chance to hold then manages to save another two break points.
An inside-out forehand from Uchijima beats Raducanu for pace and sets up a chance to hold.
She takes it! Raducanu comes up to the net and an attempted volley doesn’t make it over.
Emma Raducanu 3-6 2-3 Moyuka Uchijima*
This match is closer than it feels. Raducanu is only a few points from turning things around and her errors are only slightly out.
Uchijima is finding some joy with her forehand though and takes a 30-15 lead on her own serve.
She slices a forehand back and Raducanu misjudges the spin. She’s forced into a drop shot and pulls it off brilliantly to level the game.
A mistake from Uchijima puts the ball to long and Raducanu has a break point...
... Uchijima saves it! Deuce.
Emma Raducanu 3-6 2-3 Moyuka Uchijima*
Hold! A strong finish to a testing game from Raducanu. She holds serve and is only one game away from getting back into this match.
Uchijima knows that if she holds her next three serves she’s through to the second round.
*Emma Raducanu 3-6 1-3 Moyuka Uchijima
Raducanu is in the last chance saloon on her own serve. Coming from two breaks down in this position will be close to impossible.
Fortunately she starts okay in her next service game and gets 30-15 ahead.
A wonderful forehand down the line takes her closer to the game at 40-15 but an error leaves her vulnerable.
At 40-30, Uchijima comes up to the net and flicks over a drop shot. It’s deuce.
*Emma Raducanu 3-6 1-3 Moyuka Uchijima
Raducanu has her back to the wall and has come out swinging. She’s backing her forehands, especially, when she goes across court and is matching Uchijima blow-for-blow.
The Japanese has the serve on her side and sends one to the left of the box, scoring an ace to nudge ahead again.
Uchijima then holds.
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