Kartal and Fearnley Advance at Indian Wells, Jones Falls Short

Britons Sonay Kartal and Jacob Fearnley secured victories in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, progressing to the second round with straight-set wins on Wednesday, March 6, 2026. However, Fran Jones was unable to join them, suffering a defeat to an American qualifier.

Kartal Battles to Second Round

Sonay Kartal, ranked 54th in the world, overcame a unhurried start to defeat Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee 6-4, 6-4. The British number two fought back from a 4-2 deficit in both sets, completing the match in one hour and 48 minutes. BBC Sport reports that Kartal will next face American 20th seed Emma Navarro.

Fearnley Secures Straight-Set Win

Jacob Fearnley, the British men’s number three, continued his strong form with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur. This win marks Fearnley’s first main-draw victory since October, according to Sky Sports. He will now face American seventh seed Taylor Fritz in the second round.

Jones Exits Tournament

Fran Jones’s campaign at Indian Wells came to an finish with a straight-set loss to American qualifier Kayla Day, 6-3, 6-1. Day will now face Poland’s world number two Iga Swiatek.

Raducanu to Begin Campaign

Emma Raducanu is scheduled to begin her tournament on Friday, facing Russian Anastasia Zakharova in the second round.