- Written by Russell Fuller
- BBC tennis correspondent
image source, Getty Images
Raducanu is currently ranked 250th in the world and reached a career-high ranking of 10th in July 2022.
Emma Raducanu said she is “not too worried” about the tournament's outcome as her priority this year is to develop her game.
The 21-year-old has won three of the four tournaments she has played since returning from an eight-month absence from tour due to injury.
She will face qualifier Rebekah Masarova in the first round on Thursday in Indian Wells.
“I want to strive to become a better tennis player,” Raducanu said.
“For me, I don't think I'm too worried about this year's tournament.
“A lot of people out there will say I need the fight, but for me, I want to work on my game and development.
“It's very necessary to take the time to do that, and it's not just about following the crowd or playing a lot of games or dropping down.” [to Challenger level] To do that. I want to work on improving my skills,” she told BBC Sport in Southern California.
Raducanu played his best tennis of 2023 at Indian Wells, reaching the fourth round despite finding out shortly before the start of the tournament that he would likely need surgery on both wrists.
“For me, this is a bit of a journey. After being out for eight months, I don't think you really know what's going to happen,” she continued.
“I felt a little tired after going go-go-go since December, so it was nice to refresh myself and practice my favorite American swing.'' ”
Raducanu also told BBC Sport that he is likely to play in England's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in France in April if selected by captain Anne Keosavon.
“I don't know if I'm going to get called up,” she said.
“But I think if she does that to me, it makes sense, because it's before.” [the WTA tournament in] stuttgart [which is also] Indoor clay. ”
“I think after a week like that, you're bound to be a little mentally and physically exhausted. I've only played here in qualifying, never in the main tournament,” said Boulter. explained.
The top 32 players in the world will advance to the second round by default, but the 27th-ranked vaulter will have to play in the first round, as seeding will be determined based on last week's rankings.
British men's number one Cameron Norrie was given a bye in the second round and will not play until Saturday. However, Jack Draper, Andy Murray and Dan Evans are all in the first round, with Draper and Murray playing on Wednesday.
Draper had little time to recover from a bout of food poisoning and was forced to withdraw during the deciding set of Friday's Mexican Open semifinal against Alex de Minaur.
The 22-year-old will face Australia's Christopher O'Connell, while Murray will face qualifier David Goffin of Belgium on Center Court.
Murray announced in Dubai last week that he was “likely not to play beyond this summer” but said he did not feel safe sharing his plans after months of questioning.
“I've been asked about it most weeks since Wimbledon last year. Personally, I don't think it has much to do with my play or performance, but I think you'll see it on court. “I've been practicing ever since I came here. I'm feeling good so let's see,” the former world number one added.
Liam Brodie and Harriet Dart were eliminated in the final round of qualifying on Tuesday and were unable to add their names to the 96-man draw.
