Emma Raducanu defeated 17th seed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets at the Miami Open to reach her first WTA 1,000 quarterfinal, and In just 24 minutes on her way to a dominant 6-1, 6-3 triumph, the British star was in dazzling form, sprinting through the opening set.
Emma Raducanu’s best run in a tournament since her stunning US Open victory in 2021 comes from this one. After two weeks, she had recently broken her relationship with coach Vladimir Platenik and lost five of her last six matches following the Australian Open. Raducanu’s recent challenges cast questions on her capacity to play at the top level. Still, her victory in Miami has quieted doubters and restored her as a fierce WTA Tour opponent.
“After Indian Wells, I have progressed a great distance last week. Emma Raducanu said that following the game, she was not particularly feeling fantastic about her tennis or surroundings. “Having some great people around me this week that I trust and enjoy hanging off the court is crucial. When I play my best, I am most undoubtedly innovative, real to myself, and genuine. I cannot express myself similarly when confined to a structured manner. I am pleased with how I came to see this this week.
What was Emma Raducanu's secret to winning?
Emma Raducanu broke Anisimova in the opening game and had total control of the first set without conceding a single point on her serve, so setting the tone early. Still, her comeback performance caught attention since she regularly tested Anisimova’s serve. She kept her opponent off balance and set the game’s pace by playing aggressively and confidently.
Annoyed, her opponent labored with a right wrist problem and stopped between sets for medical attention. Anisimova improved in the second set, but Emma Raducanu’s fortitude shone. After breaking to lead 3-1, Anisimova immediately broke back, but Emma Raducanu maintained calm and grabbed another break before boldly launching the game. One of the defining features of her Miami Open performance has been her mental toughness and under-pressure execution.
“I backed myself in that regard; thus, I knew I had to dig for every ball and make it as physical as possible,” Emma Raducanu remarked. “I was pleased with my movement, how I expanded the demonstrations from the first game, and how I entered my opponent’s thoughts. The circumstances were difficult, and I knew I had to be strong both physically and psychologically if I was to succeed.
Emma Raducanu's next opponent is who?
Emma Raducanu will play world number four Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. She guaranteed her spot with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine. Pegula, one of the most consistent players on tour, will present Raducanu with a great test.
Raducanu will have to be at her very best to defeat Pegula. She has discussed how she thrives on playing against top-ranked opponents. Pegula’s defensive solidity against Raducanu’s aggressive shot-making promises to be a fascinating collision of styles in their head-to-head struggle.
What transpired in the matches featuring the Other Women?
Having defeated defending champion Danielle Collins 6-4, 6-4, World number one Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the final eight. Sabalenka secured success in an hour and nineteen minutes by breaking at 3-3 in the first set and then again in the second opening game. She is still among the favorites to win the Miami Open and wants to add another championship to her outstanding record.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini meanwhile made a fantastic comeback to challenge four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Paolini pulled through for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory despite facing 15 break points compared to Osaka’s five. Osaka had been among the top performers in the early tournament stages, but Paolini’s consistency and tenacity proved too much for the former world number one.
World third Coco Gauff had a surprising straight-sets loss against Poland’s Magda Linette, losing 6-4, 6-4. Playing in front of her local audience, Gauff battled unforced mistakes and failed to find her rhythm against an energized Linette.
After her opponent, 10th seed Paula Badosa withdrew due to a lower back ailment, Filipino adolescent Alexandra Eala carried on her dream run into her maiden WTA quarterfinal. Showcasing her fantastic potential and demonstrating her clear future on the WTA Tour, Eala has been a revelation at this tournament.
What were the primary outcomes of the men's singles?
Alexander Zverev overcame a poor start in the men’s draw to upset Jordan Thompson 7-5, 6-4. After trailing 4-1 in the opening set, the German rallied to win eight of the next nine games, setting up a fourth-round tie against Frances Tiafoe, who beat Arthur Fils of France. Having been consistently better in previous events, Zverev will try to go deep in Miami.
Taylor Fritz also advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Denis Shapovalov of Canada. One of the best American players, Fritz, has been in great form and will try to drive hard toward the semi-finals. Tommy Paul’s Miami Open campaign was cut short with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) loss to Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. Although Paul had been among the tournament’s dark horses, Cerundolo’s aggressive baseline performance was too much to manage.
Rising star Jannik Sinner kept up his fantastic form elsewhere with a commanding straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov. Considered a real title candidate in Miami, Sinner has been among the most outstanding performers of the season. His strong groundstrokes and bright shot selection make him a difficult opponent for anybody in the draw.
The competition is getting intense as the Miami Open approaches its final stages; the surviving players will fiercely fight for a spot in the semi-finals. For Emma Raducanu, this event offers a great chance to rebuild herself among the best athletes in the world. A victory against Pegula would mark a turning point in her comeback path, and supporters will be keen to see what she can do in the following round.
