Per week in the past in Indian Wells, a pair of US Open champions examined themselves towards World No.1 Iga Swiatek. Bianca Andreescu misplaced within the third spherical and Emma Raducanu adopted within the fourth.

Their Wednesday matchup (12 p.m. ET) presents one other compelling progress report as two gamers which were affected by a wide range of accidents try to recapture the shape that made them main champions.

Indian Wells Day 1

Raducanu, who 18 months in the past burst into prominence because the 2021 winner in New York, made some huge — and surprising — strides on the BNP Paribas Open. Coming off an ankle damage that sidelined her for 50 days, the 20-year-old was additionally battling a bout of tonsillitis and a reoccurring wrist damage.

However, she gained three consecutive matches, the final two — over Magda Linette and Beatriz Haddad Maia — her greatest displaying, by way of rankings, since her breakthrough triumph.

The attention-grabbing factor? Due to these accidents, Raducanu assessed her health stage at 35 p.c.

“Feels good, offers me confidence,” she informed reporters. “I believe particularly due to the place I used to be earlier than this match, didn’t suppose I might even play, to be sincere. Once I’m telling you I haven’t educated, like I haven’t educated.

Miami Open: Scores | Order of play | Attracts

“Yeah, I might say there’s a very lengthy solution to go, however I’m positively beginning the correct work now.”

Whereas Raducanu fell to Swiatek 6-3, 6-1, Andreescu was extra aggressive. She pressured Swiatek, the eventual semifinalist, to a second-set tiebreak earlier than dropping 6-3, 7-6(1). Afterward, Swiatek described Andreescu’s troublesome recreation.

“I believe the factor that she’s doing otherwise than different gamers is the best way she alters the rhythm with these fairly annoying excessive balls,” Swiatek stated, smiling. “I believe that’s the toughest factor. It looks like you may be aggressive enjoying towards her, however then again, she’s actually good at protection and he or she’s enjoying the slices which might be tough typically. You must be prepared for that.”

The one occasion through which Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, gained three straight matches this 12 months — the Thailand Open in early February — she retired to Lesia Tsurenko after receiving neck and shoulder therapy.

Raducanu and Andreescu have met solely as soon as, final 12 months in Rome’s first spherical. Trailing 6-2, 2-1, Raducanu retired with a again damage that had bothered her earlier in Stuttgart and Madrid.

People on parade

There are two different former Grand Slam singles champions among the many eight People in play on Wednesday.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, meets fellow American Shelby Rogers (7 p.m. ET). Imagine it or not, Stephens (ranked No.47) and Rogers (No.42) have by no means performed a proper WTA Tour match.

The 2020 Australian Open winner, Sofia Kenin, additionally on the comeback path, meets Australian qualifier Storm Hunter. Amanda Anisimova performs Madison Brengle in one other all-American contest. Taylor Townsend joins two U.S. wild playing cards — Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery– in motion.