New Delhi: Belarus player Aliaksandra Sasnovich defeated Emma Raducanu in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament at the Indian Wells, California, on Saturday.
It was Raducanu’s first match after becoming the first British woman to win the Grand Slam title since Virginia Wade in 1977.
Raducanu started strong as Sasnovich tried to create her momentum in the opening set. Soon the 18-year-old champion attempted faults and double faults as Sasnovich returned with swift backhand smashes and aces to win the set 2-6.
Sasnovich broke in the final set, but World No. 22 managed a lead of 4-2 despite attempting double faults.
The 27-year-old ousted Raducanu in an intense match with her on-point aces, court coverage, and aggressive smashes.
Aliaksandra Sasnovich will play against 2-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep on Monday.
(Avya Mathur)