Emma Raducanu races through in Miami Open as Kessler pulls out injured | Tennis![]() Emma Raducanu produced another brilliant performance to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open for the first time in her career after her opponent McCartney Kessler of the US retired with a back injury while Raducanu led 6-1, 3-0. Two days after registering one of the most impressive wins of her career, a dramatic three-set tussle versus the world No 8 Emma Navarro, Raducanu returned to the court radiating confidence and she performed at an excellent level until the end of the match. By reaching the round of 16 in Miami, Raducanu has equalled her best result at a WTA 1000 event. In theory, this was supposed to be a significant challenge against one of the fastest rising players on the WTA. After spending her formative years in college, Kessler only started her full-time professional journey in the 2023 season and she has since risen from outside of the top 900 into the top 50, winning two WTA titles in recent months. From the start, however, Raducanu refused to allow Kessler to breathe. As both players wrestled to control the baseline and take the first strike in the rallies, Raducanu settled down quickly and returned serve spectacularly, robbing time from Kessler with her relentless return depth and aggression. “I think my movement is pretty good right now,” Raducanu said. “I think I’m defending better. I think I’m returning really well. I’m pretty happy with most areas of my game. It’s just something that I’m looking to trying to keep improving.” Her continued improvements behind her serve were even more notable. While she has struggled with her serve in recent months, Raducanu registered her first hold of the match with three consecutive aces. As she further settled down, Raducanu struck the ball cleanly off both wings as she rolled through the match. As a victory for Raducanu became increasingly likely, Kessler called for the trainer down 6-1, 3-0. After a brief conversation, the match was over. On the eve of this impressive run, Raducanu had opted to end her trial coaching period with the experienced Slovak Vladimir Platenik. She has been encouraged in her matches this week by a variety of familiar faces, including the former player and family friend Jane O’Donoghue, who she has likened to a big sister, the LTA coach Colin Beecher and Mark Petchey. Quick Guide |
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