Emma Raducanu records first back-to-back wins of 2024 after opponent retires

Emma Raducanu recorded her first back-to-back wins of 2024 after Dayana Yastremska retired from their second round match in Indian Wells while trailing 4-0 in the first set.

Yastremska had clutched her stomach and required medical treatment just before conceding, but there were still further positive signs for Raducanu following her earlier win in the BNP Paribas Open against Rebeka Masarova.

Raducanu had already made a storming start to the match, breaking the Ukrainian 30th seed in the very first game with an exquisite backhand drop shot.

The 21-year-old Briton then held serve after saving a breakpoint before securing a double break with an excellent backhand.

Yastremska, who reached the semi-finals of the Australia Open earlier this year, then appeared in significant discomfort as Raducanu held serve without losing a point in the fourth game. A physio was duly called and Yastremska opted to end the match after only 21 minutes on court.

The two players embraced and Raducanu sportingly applauded as Yastremska left the court.

Raducanu will now face either Aryna Sabalenka or Peyton Stearns in the third round on Monday. Sabalenka is seeded second for the tournament after winning the first grand slam singles title of the year at Melbourne Park.

Raducanu’s world ranking is currently down at 250 following all her struggles with form and fitness since winning the US Open is 2021 but she has dropped only five games in winning consecutive matches against players in the world’s top 100.

Raducanu reached the last 16 of the same BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells last year, which was ultimately her best tournament performance in 2023.

She is now into the last 32 and the big hope is that she can use this more positive showing as a springboard from which to build far more consistency over the next nine months.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.