Aliaksandra Sasnovich Upsets US Open Champion Emma Raducanu in 2nd Round of Indian Wells 2021
Follow Us
18-year-old US Open champion Emma Raducanu made her Indian Wells debut against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round. Naturally, the two put on a great fight to book a place against Simona Halep in the third round. In the end, Emma saw an unexpected upset, losing the match 2-6, 4-6.
As for the two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, she defeated Swedish Marta Kostyuk 7-6 (2), 6-1. But now, she will face the woman of the hour in WTA, Emma, who considers Halep to be her idol.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Emma Raducanu Attains an “English Tennis Milestone” Following Glory at US Open 2021
Emma Raducanu vs. Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Set 1: Indian Wells 2021
Expectedly, all eyes turned to Emma Raducanu‘s match. Despite that, the teenager looked calm and collected as she held her opening service game.
However, in the third game, the pressure got to her as she struggled to hold her serve. Even her flawless shot-making slowly drifted out of rhythm. Consequently, the 27-year-old Sasnovich got the first break of the match, leading 1-3.
Trending
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Their Lowkey Relationship
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
‘I’m Sick of That’ – Danielle Collins Gets Defensive at the Mere Mention of Her Parents’ Absence at Miami Open
March 27, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
Miami Open 2024: Prize Money Breakdown, Winner’s Pay-check, and More
March 20, 2024 07:58 AM EDT
Does Danielle Collins Have a Coach? Everything to Know About Her Quirky Equation With Jared Jacobs
March 29, 2024 02:35 AM EDT
Miami Open: Hawk-Eye Baffles Victoria Azarenka as She Reacts in Shock to Elena Rybakina’s Sheer Luck
March 28, 2024 09:43 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Following the break, Raducanu tried to maintain her focus, but clearly, she was not as confident as her opponent. Eventually, the Belarusian got a double break lead and served for the opening set.
Although the English teenager tried to keep the set alive, saving a set point, it just wasn’t enough. As a result, Sasnovich got the first set 2-6 against Raducanu.
Sasnovich is on track to play debut spoiler…
She takes the first set off Raducanu 6-2.#BNPPO21pic.twitter.com/p5q8Ti2fdD
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) October 9, 2021
“Bring Your Opponent to the Fatigue Threshold”: Fitness Trainer Talks About Motivating Serena Williams to Play Her Best Tennis
Raducanu vs. Sasnovich, Set 2: Indian Wells 2021
To come back in this match, Raducanu had to add more to her self-belief. But she was not finding a way to connect her mind and her shots.
Also, even though she saved three break points, she gave Sasnovich a crucial break. The question was: Can the teenager recover a set and a break to meet idol Simona Halep in Indian Wells?
Incredibly, the 18-year-old recovered her break loss and held service comfortably, bringing the set back on serve. At 2-1, Raducanu missed three break point opportunities, letting the score settle at 2-2.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But that did not stop the reigning US Open champion from coming back. Again, Raducanu won two consecutive games to put on a 4-2 lead in the second set. However, she immediately gave away the lead in the next game.
Furthermore, Sasnovich went on to level the set again at 4-4. At one point, it did seem as if Raducanu made her way back into the match, but no. At 4-4, the Belarusian got the most crucial break, serving for the place against Halep next.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ultimately, Sasnovich closed this match comfortably, causing Raducanu an upset on her debut. She won the second round match 2-6, 4-6. Do you think she can make the same result against Halep?
Watch this story: A Day With Young Serena Williams and Venus Williams