Amanda Anisimova is set to do battle with Emma Raducanu in Indian Wells, and the world No 6 is fully aware of the challenge she could face from the 2021 US Open champion.<\/p>\n
Sixth seed Anisimova<\/a> and 25th seed Raducanu<\/a> will face off for the first time in 2026 when they meet in Indian Wells on Sunday, after both women secured impressive opening wins at the tournament on Friday.<\/p>\n After receiving an opening-round bye, Raducanu was the first of the two on court on Friday and wasted little time in progressing to the third round, making light work of Anastasia Zakharova in a 6-1, 6-3 triumph<\/a>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, world No 6 and home favourite Anisimova faced a slightly sterner test early on against Anna Blinkova, though rallied from dropping the opening set to prevail 5-7, 6-1, 6-0.<\/p>\n The two are known to share a close relationship off the court, and this will be the fourth meeting between the two, with Raducanu holding a narrow 2-1 head-to-head advantage.<\/p>\n The Brit defeated Anisimova in straight sets in the second round of the Australian Open last January, before a comprehensive 6-1, 6-3 win over the American at the Miami Open twelve months ago<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Anisimova earned her revenge at the Canadian Open last August, comfortably dispatching Raducanu 6-2, 6-1 in the third round<\/a>.<\/p>\n Anisimova surged up the WTA Rankings in 2025 and is now well established as a top-10 player, arguably making her a warm favourite for this encounter.<\/p>\n Tennis News<\/p>\n Victoria Mboko\u2019s stunning ranking rise continues after opening Indian Wells win<\/a><\/p>\n Iga Swiatek drops to world No 4, Aryna Sabalenka has narrow lead, Coco Gauff 8th \u2013 alternative rankings<\/a><\/p>\n However, when speaking about Raducanu in her press conference on Friday, the 24-year-old certainly did not underestimate the threat the Brit could pose.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cI think the last time I faced her, I was just playing really well. I played the way I wanted to play.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, at the end of the day, I mean, there is a certain way I like to play. I think I also had found my rhythm. I think it might have been the second or third match I played [against Raducanu] last year.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it was a great match. She\u2019s not an easy opponent to face. She always brings high-quality tennis.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I have had some great matches with her. Hoping for another good one.\u201d<\/p>\n An official order of play for Sunday is yet to be announced, but this is one of the highest-profile third-round matches taking place \u2014 and will likely receive a preferable court allocation.<\/p>\n Whoever triumphs will match their career-best run in Indian Wells, with Anisimova having reached the fourth round on debut in 2018, and Raducanu having progressed to that stage in 2023.<\/p>\n The victorious player will face either tenth seed Victoria Mboko or 23rd seed Anna Kalinskaya in the second round.<\/p>\n Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for tennis coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n