Raducanu may need a wild card to make it into Indian Wells

Emma Raducanu could miss out of the Indian Wells Masters in California next month without the helping hand of a wild card.

The No. 80 stands five spots out of the main draw field for the first Masters 1000 of the season which begins in a month.

The miracle 2021 winner of the US Open has yet to achieve traction since her big day 18 months ago, with the 20-year-old plagued by injuries and a parade of replacement coaches.

Hope still remains that four higher-ranked players could possibly drop from the field, though that cannot be assured. 

The pro-forma tournament entry also includes inactive players such as Naomi Osaka, who has not been near a Tour court since last September.

 Raducanu’s chances will also be helped by the injury withdrawal of third-ranked Ons Janeur.

Raducanu is due to play her first match since losing to Coco Gauff in the Australian Open second round when she competes at a new WTA event in the Texas capital of Austin.

2021 US Open winner Raducanu, who struggled with an ankle injury in the build-up to the Australian Open, is set to return to action at the inaugural ATX Open in Texas on February 27.

The Brit has played the event twice before, reaching the third round a year ago.

Main photo:-Emma Raducanu loses second round match Australian Open 2023 by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd