Raducanu’s second-round victory over Dayana Yastremska, who retired with sickness, marked the primary time the English participant had recorded back-to-back victories since profitable three video games at Indian Wells 12 months in the past.
The shock 2021 US Open champion made her return to the tour in January following an eight-month absence, throughout which she underwent operations on each of her wrists and had ankle surgical procedure.
She stated she was “not too involved” about latest outcomes – having gained simply three matches within the 4 tournaments she had performed earlier than Indian Wells – because the precedence this yr is to develop her sport.
Testing herself towards Sabalenka, who efficiently defending her Australian Open title in January, Raducanu will likely be happy with the progress she confirmed.
A single break of serve within the sixth sport was sufficient for Sabalenka to take the primary set, however solely after Raducanu dismissed two set factors on serve earlier than placing her opponent below strain with three break factors as she served for the set.
Sabalenka moved a step nearer to victory by claiming the primary break 5 video games into set two.
Nevertheless, Raducanu produced an instantaneous response to remain in rivalry and continued to hassle the second seed by making a break level after holding serve to guide 4-3.
Sabelenka struck what proved to be the decisive blow when she broke for a 6-5 lead, ultimately serving out the competition together with her fourth match level after Raducanu once more missed three break factors as she fought onerous till the tip.