MIAMI — Tears welled up in Emma Raducanu’s eyes following her hard-fought 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (3) victory against No. 10 seed Emma Navarro on Friday.

While her 2021 US Open victory remains a monumental achievement, Raducanu expressed that this grueling three-hour match at the Miami Open felt even more rewarding.

“Yes, I was overcome with emotion after winning,” Raducanu shared in the post-match press conference. “Winning the US Open was incredible, but considering the challenges of the past few years, these victories now carry a deeper significance.”

The US Open win, in retrospect, happened rapidly and almost effortlessly. Within three weeks, Raducanu secured ten victories, becoming the first qualifier, male or female, to win the US Open at just 18 years old.

This meteoric rise led to numerous lucrative sponsorship deals for the charismatic young British star, representing high-end brands. However, this also amplified the pressure following her unprecedented success.

Raducanu reached the Top 10 of the WTA rankings in the summer of 2022, but subsequent debilitating injuries took their toll. In 2023, she was sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing surgeries on both wrists and an ankle. By the end of that year, her ranking plummeted to No. 285.

Her coaching situation became unstable, with eight changes since her New York triumph.

However, after securing the first set tiebreak against Navarro and facing a strong comeback, Raducanu, now 22, rediscovered her inner strength. Beating Navarro, given her current form, was a significant accomplishment.

Navarro is known for her endurance in three-set matches, leading the tour last year in both matches played (35) and won (24). The 23-year-old American had won six out of seven three-set matches this year alone. Yet, Raducanu, displaying shades of her 2021 confidence, managed to close out the match.

Raducanu acknowledged Navarro’s reputation in deciding sets.

“I was aware of that going into the match,” Raducanu stated. “I knew I had to fight for every point. It was incredibly tough, especially serving for the match at 5-3 when Emma played exceptionally well. Then, at 5-4, Love-30 on her serve, she responded with four incredible points.”

“Today, I gave everything I had on the court. In the third set, there were moments when I felt completely drained, with no way back, physically. But somehow, I found an unexpected source of energy, running purely on adrenaline.”

Raducanu admitted to periods of defensive play during the match. However, in crucial moments of the third set and the final tiebreak, she decided to take charge.

“I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose, I won’t let her dictate it—I’ll commit fully.’ My success comes from taking shots early and aggressively. It’s a much better feeling to have no regrets.”

“Even when I missed drive volleys in critical moments after long rallies, it was frustrating, but I knew I was making the right choices.”

This match was a unique Emma showdown, marking the first time two players with the same first name faced off at the Miami Open since…

Jessica Pegula, who was scheduled to play her match next on Grandstand, watched part of Raducanu’s match and expressed her happiness for her.

“When Emma is playing at her peak, she belongs among the top players,” Pegula commented. “I think injuries and consistency have been her challenges. In today’s competitive environment, it’s difficult to maintain confidence without consistent match play and wins.”

“I understand why she was emotional. Winning two matches at a WTA 1000 event and defeating a Top 10 player is significant. It often requires both physical and mental fortitude. In those moments, you might question, ‘How will I get through this? Not again?’ For her to rally in the third set and win the tiebreak, I’m sure she feels a sense of relief.”

This victory marked Raducanu’s first career win on hard courts against a Top 10 opponent and only her third overall.

“I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily greater in magnitude than the US Open, but emotionally, I’m much more aware of the struggles involved,” Raducanu reflected. “Winning the US Open, I won ten matches in straight sets.

“I didn’t experience the losses, the setbacks, the months of losing streaks. Coming through this now, it does feel different, yes.”