- Aliaksandra Sasnovich wins match at Indian Wells 6-2, 6-4
- ‘I’m still so new to everything,’ says 17th seeded Briton
The question on most lips as Emma Raducanu returned to competition for the first time since her startling US Open victory was exactly how she would adjust to her new status as a grand slam champion. With major success inevitably comes increased and often unwanted expectation, as well a target on the back as players fight for the newest, biggest win.
In her first match as a grand slam champion at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Raducanu, the 17th seed, was understandably unable to play with the freedom of a month earlier. She was defeated in the second round by the surging Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 6-4.