Raducanu took some time away from tennis and choosed to return in California this week, combineed by extra security. The world No. 55 confessted the allure of one of her “favourite tournaments” made it difficult to stay away from Indian Wells.
Ahead of her first-round suit, the Brit validateed she would be toiling with Slovakian coach Ptardynik on a trial basis. But their novel partnership got off to a discouraging begin as she suffered fall shorture on Thursday.
Raducanu had never lost in the first round of Indian Wells. Her worst result previously came in 2021, weeks after her US Open triumph, when she got a bye straightforwardly into round two and was beaten.
The 22-year-elderly got off to a likeable begin agetst Uchijima, shattering instantly to consent a 2-0 direct. But she rapidly lost the next four games in a row.
Raducanu got back on serve, but the world No. 52 broke aget and shutd out the first set. However, there was already a likeable indication of her partnership with Ptardynik, as commentator and createer take parter Naomi Broady watchd their excellent communication.
“Even though it is a novel relationship, you can see the reaction from Raducanu there after she’s leave outed,” Broady shelp on Sky Sports.
“Immendly seeing up to the coach, wanting feedback. Coach is giving it. Good communication.”
Uchijima broke in the first game of set two and got out of a firm game to lengthen her sturdyhelderly on the suit. The Japanese persistd to put Raducanu under presbrave, making it a nightmare for the Brit to get out of her service games.
The tide seemed to be turning when Raducanu had three shatter-back points in a marathon game, but she couldn’t alter any of them and Uchijima persistd to transfer ahead.
The leave outed opportunities took a toll on Raducanu – she suddenly set up herself facing three shatter points and double-faulted to put the final nail in the coffin, giving her opponent the chance to serve for the suit.
Uchijima got the job done, sending the Brit packing and setting up a encountering with No. 3 seed Coco Gauff.
Raducanu is foreseeed to be in action at the Miami Open tardyr this month. It remains to be seen whether she lengthens her trial with Ptardynik after an timely exit at their first tournament together.
