Emma Raducanu and Emma Navarro played their first match against each other on Friday at the Miami Open, nearly four years after both debuted at the US Open in 2021. Since those debuts, their careers have taken different paths.

Navarro, currently ranked No. 10 and recently a champion in Merida, was considered the favorite. Raducanu, ranked No. 60 and returning from injury, was aiming to build momentum.

In a high-quality match on Grandstand, Raducanu prevailed over eighth-seeded Navarro in a close contest, winning 7–6(6), 2–6, 7–6(3) to advance to the third round.

This was an impressive display from both players.

Looking back to last year, Navarro has played the most three-set matches (35) and won the most (24). She is known for enjoying tough, extended matches. The 23-year-old American had won six out of seven matches this year that went to three sets. However, Raducanu from Great Britain, showing a level of confidence reminiscent of her 2021 US Open victory, secured the win this time.

This victory marked Raducanu’s first career win against a Top 10 opponent on hard court, and only her third overall at this level. She was understandably emotional after the match.

It was a unique ‘Emma Fest’ as it was the first time two players with the same first name have faced each other at the Miami Open in many years.

The first set was full of excitement. Both players exchanged breaks of serve in the fifth and sixth games, leading to a tiebreak. Navarro reached set point twice, but errors allowed Raducanu to level the score at 6-6. Raducanu then seized her set point opportunity, winning the set when Navarro’s backhand went wide after 60 minutes.

Navarro responded strongly, dominating the second set with her serve. Following the second set, Raducanu took a medical timeout to receive treatment for blisters on both feet.

After the timeout, Navarro started the third set strongly, winning the first eight points. Despite facing break points and double faults while serving at 1-3, Raducanu managed to hold her serve. In the sixth game, Raducanu broke back, leveling the set.

Raducanu then broke Navarro to take a 5-3 lead, highlighted by a well-executed forehand winner. However, Navarro broke back immediately, bringing the score to 5-5. The decisive break occurred when Navarro made a great running forehand, followed by a net error and a double fault from Raducanu.

Ultimately, a superb backhand return in the tiebreaker sealed the victory for Raducanu.