Raducanu Progresses in Miami as Kessler Retires

Emma Raducanu is demonstrating growing confidence at the Miami Open.

Building on her impressive victory over No. 8 seed Emma Navarro, Raducanu reached the Round of 16 at the Miami Open on Sunday. Her match against McCartney Kessler concluded with a score of 6-1, 3-0, as Kessler retired due to a lower back injury. The match lasted for a brief period before Kessler`s retirement.

This marks the first time the British player has achieved three consecutive wins at a major WTA Tour event or Grand Slam since Wimbledon last summer.

`I`m very pleased to reach this stage,` Raducanu commented after her latest win. `While it`s not ideal to win in this manner, I believe I maintained good focus throughout the match.`

Raducanu described her previous three-set victory over Navarro as deeply emotional, perhaps even more so than her unexpected 2021 US Open victory.

This is because a series of injuries over the past three and a half years have prevented her from consistently playing at the level that led to her ten consecutive straight-set wins in New York.

`The past few years have been incredibly challenging for me,` Raducanu admitted. `I don`t believe I`m completely out of the woods yet, and I`m still navigating my path.`

`I am happy this week that I`ve been able to manage off-court matters effectively, allowing me to compete with a clear mind and fight for every point.`

This focused approach was evident in her dominant performance against Kessler, a rising American player who won a title in Hobart earlier this year. Raducanu broke Kessler`s serve in all four attempts and secured 29 out of 43 points in the first set. Overall, she won 41 of 58 points in the match.

`It`s always difficult when you sense your opponent might be struggling with an issue,` Raducanu noted. `You have to maintain concentration and not relax, because in such situations, controlling your own game is crucial. I feel I managed that aspect effectively.`

`I had a very productive practice session earlier today, and I`m pleased it translated into my performance on the court.`

Raducanu`s next opponent will be the winner of the match between No. 11 seed Mirra Andreeva and No. 17 Amanda Anisimova, both recent WTA 1000 champions. Their Round of 16 match is scheduled for Monday. A victory for Raducanu would represent her best result at a WTA 1000 tournament, having reached this stage for the fourth time.

`They are both top-tier players, and both have won WTA 1000 titles this season,` Raducanu acknowledged. `They are both in excellent form. It will be an incredibly tough match for me.`