Emma Raducanu suffered a quick exit to Amanda Anisimova in Indian Wells, losing a third-round clash in 52 minutes.
The British star lost 6-1 6-1 to the in-form two-times major finalist American.
Anisimova reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals last year and is the world No 6 and the level of her play was on full show against Raducanu.
After her split from coach Francisco Roig earlier this year, Raducanu had reunited with Mark Petchey on a day-to-day basis during this tournament. While she had played well in her opening game, when she dispatched Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets, Raducanu struggled with Anisimova.
The American had Raducanu under pressure from the start as she broke the Briton’s serve in the very first game.
With a double break Anisimova led 4-1 in quick time and didn’t let Raducanu win another game in the set.
She closed out the first set with another break and to compound Raducanu’s difficulties Anisimova broke again at the first opportunity in the second set.
Anisimova wrong-footed Raducanu with a lovely drop shot as she exerted full control. Raducanu managed to claim a game but facing an ominous 4-1 deficit again in the second set, the Briton couldn’t unearth a response.
Raducanu suffered another break, which allowed Anisimova to serve out the match.
She finished off a straightforward, clinical victory over the Briton in just 52 minutes.
Sabalenka progresses
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka cruised past Jaqueline Cristian on Sunday to reach the last 16 of the Indian Wells Open.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Indian Wells match between Aryna Sabalenka and Jaqueline Cristian.
Sabalenka secured a 6-4 6-1 victory. The 2025 runner-up is chasing a first desert title after she missed out to Mirra Andreeva in last year’s final.
Next she will face Naomi Osaka, who beat Camila Osorio after three sets, 6-1 3-6 6-1.
It will be the first time Sabalenka and Osaka have crossed paths since the US Open in 2018, their only previous match, one which Osaka won.
In the men’s singles, second seed Jannik Sinner progressed after beating Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-2.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells live on Sky Sports until March 15. Stream tennis with NOW, contract-free.