Emma Raducanu’s Indian Wells schedule: Who will the British tennis sensation take on in the first round match?

Emma Raducanu's return after Dubai ordeal

The 22-year-old, who made a historic run to the US Open title in 2021, is eager to return to competitive tennis after an emotional setback in Dubai. During her match against Karolina Muchova, Raducanu faced a disturbing encounter with a "fixated man" in the crowd. 

The incident left her shaken but did not deter her from preparing for the “sunshine double” — a term used for the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments.

Indian Wells, known for its stunning Californian backdrop and high-profile matchups, will provide Raducanu with a chance to regain her form and confidence. The Briton is aiming to start fresh and make a significant impact on the hard-court swing, followed by her participation in the Miami Open later this month.

Emma Raducanu’s path to the second round

In the first round of Indian Wells, Raducanu will take on Moyuka Uchijima, currently ranked 52nd in the world. Raducanu has the upper hand in their head-to-head record, having defeated Uchijima in their only previous meeting in Seoul in 2022. 

The winner of this match will go on to face world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the second round, with Gauff receiving a bye in the opening round.

When will Emma Raducanu play?

Raducanu's match against Uchijima is scheduled as the second match on Stadium 1. The first match of the day, featuring fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley and Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, will start at 11am PT (7pm GMT). Raducanu’s match is expected to begin no earlier than 1pm PT (9pm GMT), following the conclusion of the first match.