Emma Raducanu eased into the last 32 of the BNP Paribas Open with a 7-6 (3) 6-2 victory over Magda Linette.

Raducanu overcame injury doubts and illness to beat Danka Kovinic in her opener at Indian Wells, and the British number one had to call for a physio after battling back from an early deficit.

Poland’s Linette, 21st in the WTA rankings and 55 places higher than Raducanu, took the first break of the match for a 3-1 first-set lead.

But Raducanu fought back from 4-1 down to level at 4-4 before calling for a physio at 6-5 ahead.

Both players, somewhat bizarrely, lost their serve to love as the opening set went into overtime.

Raducanu, who beat Linette in their only previous meeting at the 2022 Korea Open, won the tie-break 7-3 to establish an advantage after 62 minutes on court.

The odds were really stacked against Linette when Raducanu broke serve to lead 3-1 in the second set.

Watch: Emma Raducanu vs Magda Linette highlights

She comfortably closed out victory against this year’s Australian Open semi-finalist and will now meet either Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic or Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last 32.

Raducanu has done a fair bit of work on the physical side of her game, aided by former Andy Murray trainer Jez Green.

“Jez is really good, he’s obviously so experienced, he’s worked with some of the top players, he’s been there through the journey with a lot of players who were young and then developed into top, top pros.

“It’s amazing to have him in my corner and helping me out. We’ve just been focusing on strength, cardio and just improving all round.”

She said of her off-season work: “I think right now, because I’m still trying to find my timing and groove and my tennis, it’s a bit early to tell. But once I settle into that I think the physical side will definitely have made a difference because there’s no way it can’t have.

“But I’m also not ignorant in thinking two months is going to solve my entire physical condition, it’s going to take more time, over a year or two to redevelop.”

She hopes that by staying fit and healthy she can regain her best form and compete for major honours.

“For 2023 my goal is to stay healthy for longer. I’m looking forward to working hard because I’ve got a better idea of what to expect now. So I’ll be less like a deer in the headlights.

“For a results goal I’d say it’s to win a title, and three I’d say is to be playing fearless tennis. Just not thinking about consequences. Just going for it.”

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