Raducanu loses on first appearance since stalking ordeal

Emma Raducanu struggled in a testing Indian Wells wind as she was beaten on her first appearance since being targeted by a stalker during a match.

The 22-year-old Briton was unsure if she was going to even play in the California tournament following the incident at the Dubai Championships on 18 February.

A visibly upset Raducanu recoiled behind the umpire's chair after spotting a man who she had reported for what WTA officials described as "exhibiting fixated behaviour".

After deliberating whether to take an extended break from the WTA Tour, Raducanu decided to make the journey to Indian Wells - one of the biggest events outside of the four majors.

However, the world number 55 was out of sorts as she lost 6-3 6-2 to Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open.

In tricky conditions created by a brisk wind in the Californian desert, Raducanu looked uncomfortable throughout.

The 2021 US Open champion made a host of errors to allow Uchijima, a tenacious opponent who adapted to the breeze quickly, to come out on top of the often scrappy rallies.

Raducanu faced break points in her opening six service games as a result of the pressure created by the mistakes caused by her lack of accuracy.

Five of those games ended in Raducanu losing serve as she trailed by a set and a break to the 52nd-ranked Uchijima.

The Briton cut a subdued figure after she could not convert any of three chances to break back for 3-3.

After Uchijima dug deep to hold, Raducanu did not win another point and trudged off court having lost for a sixth time in her nine matches this year.