Emma Raducanu moved confidently into the second round in Indian Wells with a straight sets win over Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-2 6-3 in an hour and 45 minutes.
This was the 2021 US Open champion’s fourth victory in seven matches since returning from an eight-month injury layoff and has reached the second round in four events.
She will bid to go beyond that stage for the first time this year against Australian Open semifinalist and No.30 seed Dayana Yastremska.
Raducanu, currently ranked 252 in the World won their only previous meeting, in the first round of Portoroz 2022, when Yastremska had to retire with a right wrist injury when trailing 6-2, 5-3.
Should Raducanu defeat Yastremska in round two, the 21-year-old Briton could set up a match against Ayrna Sabalenka, back to back winner of Australian Opens in 2023 and 2024.
The 2021 US Open champion told Sky Sports: “Super important I think for me to get through that. I really think it’s one of the trickiest tournaments conditions-wise to play because it varies so much.
“I think I dealt with that really well and overcame a really tough opponent who is dangerous in these conditions.
“I really enjoy playing in America, some of my best results have been here, so I am very happy to be back here playing. I really appreciate all the love I was receiving.”
