British tennis has reasons to celebrate despite Emma Raducanu’s disappointment at Indian Wells

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Emma Raducanu lost 6-1, 6-1, to Amanda Anisimova in the third round of Indian Wells.

The 2021 US Open champion was swept aside by the American in less than an hour.

In recent weeks and months, a poor showing for Raducanu would have put an end to British hopes.

Where do you think Emma Raducanu will finish 2026 ranked?

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But not at Indian Wells! Several British players have made deep runs…

Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Sonay Kartal impress at Indian Wells

Five British players entered the Indian Wells singles main draws.

Francesca Jones lost in the first round, before Taylor Fritz knocked out Jacob Fearnley in round two.

Then, Raducanu fell in the third round.

But three Brits remained, as Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Sonay Kartal all reached the last 16.

British players at Indian Wells

Kartal, the British number two, took down American seeds Emma Navarro and Madison Keys to qualify for the fourth round.

She was, however, unable to reach the quarterfinals, retiring due to injury in the second set against Elena Rybakina.

Draper and Norrie, on the other hand, made it through to the final eight.

Returning as the defending champion, Draper defeated Novak Djokovic in three sets to reach the quarters.

And Norrie, the 2021 champion, beat Rinky Hijikata in his fourth-round match.

Both players face tough quarterfinal opponents (Draper vs Daniil Medvedev, Norrie vs Carlos Alcaraz), but regardless of what happens, British tennis can celebrate a positive week in California.

With Draper back from injury, and Norrie and Kartal returning to form, the hopes of the nation no longer live and die by Raducanu.

And that’s good news for Raducanu, too.

If her fellow Brits continue to pick up results, she might play with less pressure and more freedom on the court.

Only time will tell what the future holds for British tennis, but if Indian Wells is anything to go by, there are reasons to be hopeful.

Which British player has the best chance of winning Wimbledon?

No British player has won Wimbledon since Andy Murray (2013, 2016).

The nation is desperate for another home winner, but who is most likely to lift the title this summer?

Well, on the women’s side, it’s hard to look past Raducanu.

Yes, she didn’t go as far as Kartal last year, and her form is questionable, to say the least, but Raducanu proved herself at Wimbledon in 2025.

Playing the world number one on Centre Court, Raducanu pushed Aryna Sabalenka close in a 6-7, 4-6 defeat.

On another day, she takes at least a set off the Belarusian.

The peak level that Raducanu showed at times against Sabalenka last year could win her a Wimbledon title.

Whether she can maintain that level for the duration of a two-week Grand Slam tournament… That’s a question for another day.

On the men’s side, Norrie could be a dark horse to win the title.

Draper is the bigger star, no doubt, but Norrie has already made several deep runs at SW19, whilst the 24-year-old has yet to reach the third round.

Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie at Wimbledon

Norrie is a former Wimbledon semifinalist, outlining his grass-court credentials.

There are several younger players to watch out for as well.

Oliver Tarvet, Jack Pinnington Jones, and Arthur Fery all won matches at Wimbledon last year.

Will any of them make a step up and reach the second week in 2026? It remains to be seen.

There’s still a long way to go before Wimbledon begins, though, and for now, British fans will focus on Draper and Norrie at Indian Wells.

Draper will play Medvedev, and Norrie will play Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12.