Emma Raducanu is all set to begin a trial period with her new coach Vladimir Platenik at the Indian Wells. The former US Open champion has won just one match since the departure of her previous coach, Nick Cavaday, and her performance has been put under some real scrutiny. The Brit has also been criticized for her wildcard entries in some of the tournaments this year. Amidst all that, she is now all set to start her campaign at the BNP Paribas Open against the Japanese player Moyuka Uchijima. Can Raducanu make a winning start to her campaign at the Indian Wells?

Emma Raducanu vs Moyuka Uchijima: Preview

Emma Raducanu has had a horrid start to her season this year. Apart from reaching the third round of AO, she has made early exits from all the other tournaments she has participated in. She’ll be entering this contest following her R32 loss to Karolina Muchova (CZE) at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she was defeated by 6(6)-7,4-6. Can she make a strong turnaround?

Moyuka Uchijima has had a similar start to her season as well. She will be entering this match following her 6-4,4-6,0-6 defeat to Russia’s Anna Blinkova in the R32 of the ATX Open.

Raducanu vs Uchijima: Head-to-Head

Emma Raducanu and Moyuka Uchijima have crossed paths only once in their career so far. Currently, the Brit leads the H2H record by a 1-0 margin.

• 2022 Seoul R32: Raducanu 6-2,6-4.

Prediction: Raducanu will win this match in straight sets

Emma Raducanu will start this match as a clear favorite. Reason? Well, Raducanu is a former world number 10, and she has vast experience in playing against some of the tougher opponents in her career. On top of that, we must not forget that she defeated the former world number 3, Maria Sakkari, in straight sets in her previous tournament. Raducanu (55) has a win-loss record of 3-5 this year, while Moyuka Uchijima (52) has a win-loss record of 7-9.

Talking about their playing styles, Uchijima is known for her aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes. She has a strong forehand, and her ability to dictate points from the baseline makes her a real threat in the women’s Tour. Apart from that, Uchijima also has a powerful serve in her armory.

Her opponent, Emma Raducanu, also has an aggressive style of play. She has a strong two-handed backhand, and she can hit her one-handed backhand with a slice to break up the pace of the rallies and disrupt the rhythm of her opponent. Apart from that, Raducanu also has good court coverage ability and a strong forehand. Moyuka Uchijima needs to be a bit watchful of Raducanu’s incredible drop shots.

Considering all these aspects, safe to say that Raducanu has more weapons in her armory to win this battle against her Japanese opponent. The prediction is for Raducanu to win the match in straight sets.