Emma Raducanu awarded wild card for 2023 Indian Wells Open

Emma Raducanu has been awarded a wild card for the 2023 BNP Paribas Open that begins next month.

Raducanu, who made an early exit at the Australian Open, had earlier suffered an ankle injury in Auckland before recovering in time to be fit enough to take part in the first Grand Slam of the year.

The British star, who is focussing on her fitness following a flurry of injuries last season, will be part of the prestigious WTA 1000 event to be played at Indian Wells.

"Just in: @EmmaRaducanu has been awarded a wild card into the 2023 BNP Paribas Open"

Emma Raducanu, who was aiming for a triumphant start to her season after a disappointing 2022, got through the first round of the ASB Classic before having to retire midway through her second-round match against Victoria Kuzmova.

Despite the setback, the 20-year-old delighted her fans by declaring herself fit ahead of the Australian Open. After getting past Tamara Korpatsch in Melbourne, Raducanu faced a stiff challenge after running into Coco Gauff in the second round.

Despite losing the first set, the Toronto-born player fought back strongly in the second but went on to lose the tie-break, going down 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Emma Raducanu began her 2022 Indian Wells Open campaign in style by getting past Caroline Garcia in three sets. However, she failed to progress beyond the second round.

After winning the first set against Petra Martic, she failed to carry the momentum forward against the Croatian and ended up making a second-round exit.

---

"I’m sure she can have a great year" - John McEnroe hopes Emma Raducanu can return to winning ways

Raducanu after her title win at the 2021 US Open

Emma Raducanu, who has often faced flak from the British media, has been backed by John McEnroe, who believes her 2021 US Open win was no flash in the pan.

McEnroe, along with Piers Morgan, was critical of the Briton after she handed a mid-match walkover to Ajla Tomljanovic during the 2021 Wimbledon championships. He, however, has since thrown his weight behind the one-time Grand Slam champion.

McEnroe had stated last year that the Brit was already a good player after winning a Major without dropping a set. He hoped that the youngster could "embrace" what was happening with her and return to the level she was at during her US Open triumph.

"I think the last year has been overwhelming, obviously. She has gone through a lot of changes in her life and now she has had issues with injuries. Everyone in the tennis world is hopeful that she can embrace what’s happening with her and hope that she gets back to the level she showed at the US Open," McEnroe said.

Over the course of a chat with Tennis 365, the American legend turned commentator exuded confidence in Raducanu while hoping that she could enjoy the challenges that await her.

"We just all want to see her compete and enjoy the challenge in front of her, I’m sure she can have a great year," the four-time US Open champion stated.