One of Moyuka Uchijima’s idols lost at Stadium 1 at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, Naomi Osaka. But Uchijima played on the same centre court Thursday and beat a Grand Slam winner in her first trip to the desert.

She overcame Emma Raducanu 6-3, 6-2 and also strong winds to earn a second-round tussle with another Grand Slam champion, Coco Gauff. 

“Tough conditions for both of us,” the 23-year-old said on court afterwards. “I know Emma is a great player and I was just happy to share the court with her. “It’s my first Indian Wells and I cannot imagine a better debut on Stadium 1 and playing my best tennis.”

How did Osaka’s fellow Japanese cope with the wind, which regularly hung up and zigzagged the ball?

“I tried to stay mentally tough, because we can’t control the wind,” said Uchijima. “I tried to focus on things that I could control.”

Once the fast rising World No. 52 got an early break back, she took over. At times it looked like she would never miss a backhand. And her forehand got stronger as the match developed, becoming a huge weapon in the second set. You could understand why Uchijima strung together a 19-match winning streak in 2024. Raducanu did well to hang on early in the second but ultimately couldn’t prevent a sixth loss in her last seven matches.

Uchijima met Raducanu for the second time — losing in Seoul in 2022 — and plays Gauff for the first time on Saturday.

“She’s a great player, a great champion, so I have nothing to lose,” said Uchijima.

Earlier at Stadium 2, a smile flashed across the face of Sofia Kenin after authoring a half-volley drop shot against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.

It was that kind of a day for the 2020 Australian Open champion, who advanced 6-2, 6-1. Mostly everything she touched turned to gold.

 “I’m super happy,” said Kenin. “I feel like I’m in form. I’m playing good tennis. I’m hungry.”

 All of which are positives for the Florida resident and her fans. Kenin recorded her ninth main draw win of the campaign. Last season, it took her until October to achieve the feat.

Perhaps this is the year the World No. 47 makes it past the second round at Indian Wells for the first time.

Her next opponent, Daria Kasatkina, has gone deep at Indian Wells, making the final in 2018. Kenin, though, leads their rivalry 3-2.

Belinda Bencic capped the day session at Stadium 1 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Tatjana Maria.

The Swiss gold medalist improved to 3-0 and no sets lost against her fellow Grand Slam semifinalist in a match that lasted just over an hour. However, with Maria’s penchant to slice on both the forehand and backhand and Bencic looking to take the ball on the rise, more than a few entertaining rallies surfaced. 

They shared a nice hug at the net when it ended. Bencic gave birth to daughter Bella last year, returning to the tour last October, while Maria has long traveled the tour with two daughters.

“I’m really lucky,” said Bencic. “Our life has changed for the better. Tatjana is a mom of two so it was great to play against her also.

“I’m really feeling like there are so many moms on the tour now…just trying to show everyone that it’s possible to have a baby and also play professional tennis.”

Twenty-five moms, to be precise.

On Saturday, Bencic returns to action against Amanda Anisimova. They also share something in common — winning titles this season as part of the swing in the Middle East.