INDIAN WELLS: Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Caroline Wozniacki, all Grand Slam champions, advanced to the second round of Indian Wells on Thursday. However, Venus Williams, a former world number one, appeared set for victory before losing the last 10 games to Japan’s Nao Hibino.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion who recently returned to the tour after a maternity break, initially faced a challenge against qualifier Sara Errani. Despite falling behind 2-1 in the first set and grappling with windy conditions, Osaka rallied to secure a 6-3 6-1 victory.
Raducanu, the former US Open champion, defeated Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Wozniacki scored her first win in the California desert since 2019 by defeating Zhu Lin 7-6 (6) 6-1.
As for Venus Williams, she appeared on the brink of victory before Hibino staged a comeback, ultimately securing a 2-6 6-3 6-0 win. Danielle Collins also advanced to the second round after a hard-fought victory over Russian qualifier Erika Andreeva, setting up a matchup with world number one Iga Swiatek.
