BNP Paribas Open 2026: Emma Raducanu storms into third round with dominant win
• 2 minute read
British No.1 Emma Raducanu is into the third round at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after dismantling qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in her first match of the tournament.
It was a devastating performance from Raducanu, who needed just an hour and 23 minutes to knock out the world No.86 6-1, 6-3 and progress to the third round for the third time.
Raducanu could be set to take on Wimbledon and US Open runner-up Amanda Anisimova in a blockbuster third round meeting. The Brit and American met three times last year, and although Raducanu lost their most recent encounter at the National Bank Open, she still leads the head-to-head 2-1.
A win in the next round would see Raducanu match her tournament-best run, having previously reached the fourth round in 2023.
While Raducanu was the favourite on paper coming into the match, Zakharova had confidence on her side, having fought through qualifying to reach the main draw before defeating Ella Seidel in the opening round.
That said, Raducanu made a blistering return to the Californian desert - backing up a strong opening service game with an immediate break to ease to a 3-0 lead. Zakharova managed to etch a game on the board in the fourth game but Raducanu’s dominant ball-striking proved too much for her opponent to handle as she secured a double break advantage.
Having wrapped up a one set lead in just 32 minutes, the former US Open champion carried her momentum into the second and earned another early break to take firm control of the match.
Just as Raducanu appeared to close out the victory with no trouble, Zakharova managed to break the Briton while she was serving out the match. However, the British No.1 regrouped quickly and converted her fifth break point of the match to punch her ticket to the third round.
Raducanu is set to return to the doubles court later today alongside Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The British, Romanian duo will take on third seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
Saturday’s action at Indian Wells will see plenty of British interest with reigning champion Jack Draper, Cam Norrie, Jacob Fearnley and Sonay Kartal all contesting their second round matches.
