Emma Raducanu’s quest for a win over a top-10 opponent continues, as she was soundly defeated 6-3, 6-1 by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at Indian Wells. Although Raducanu showed promise in the beginning by keeping Swiatek off-balance and threatening an early break, she eventually succumbed to the Polish player’s power game. Swiatek has been the dominant force in women’s tennis since Ashleigh Barty’s last professional match over a year ago, winning 74 of 84 matches and earning a reputation for handing out “bagels” and “breadsticks” – tennis terms for 6-0 and 6-1 sets.
While the scoreline may be disappointing for Raducanu, who has now played four matches against top-10 opponents without winning a set, it is worth noting that she had just turned in her best tournament since her historic win at the US Open 18 months ago. Despite the loss, she can take solace because she competed well against one of the game’s best players.
