
Emma Raducanu is out of Indian Wells after only one match played after being ousted 3-6 2-6 by Moyuka Uchijima in very windy conditions.
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Throughout the entire match, a strong wind was blowing and it was all but easy circumstances to play.
While Raducanu made 79 percent of her first serve in the first set compared to the Japanese's 46 percent, the 2021 US Open champion was still the one who lost her serve more times - she claimed two breaks but got broken three times.
Uchijima, who was definitely more creative in the tricky conditions, also started the second set with an early break and a 2-0 lead.
In the sixth game, the Japanese saved three break points to go 4-2 up before earning another break in the following game and serving out for the match in the eighth game.
By losing to Uchijima, Raducanu failed to set up a highly-anticipated second-round matchup between her and Coco Gauff.
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Also, the 22-year-old's trial period with coach Vladimir Platenik started with a loss.
Raducanu loses her first match since the Dubai stalking incident
After experiencing one of the most traumatic moments of her tennis career in Dubai, the British tennis star was offered extra safety in Indian Wells.
Also, the fact that Indian Wells is one of her favorite tournaments played a role in her coming to the desert.
"I'm very happy to be in Indian Wells. It's my favorite tournament outside of the Slams... and I think being here I feel a lot better," Raducanu told Sky Sports before the start of the tournament.
"I wasn't necessarily sure if I was going to come and compete so soon after what happened in Dubai but I'm glad I made the decision to come here. I love being here and I'm happy on the court."
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Unfortunately for Raducanu, her Indian Wells campaign didn't go well and she will hope to do better in Miami.