Emma Raducanu Stuns Navarro, Reaches Miami Open Third Round

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Emma Raducanu showcased her resilience and fighting spirit by defeating world No. 10 Emma Navarro in a thrilling encounter at the Miami Open on Friday. Raducanu triumphed with a score of 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 7-6 (7-3), marking her first victory against a top-10 player on hard courts.

The match, which lasted two hours and 53 minutes, featured dramatic momentum shifts that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite facing a foot injury and trailing 3-1 in the final set, Raducanu rallied to claim four straight games, demonstrating her tenacity. “I was absolutely exhausted in the second set and thought my legs were going to stop. I just fought every single point,” she told reporters following her victory.

This win signifies just the third top-10 victory in Raducanu’s career and her first since winning the US Open in 2021. Raducanu, currently ranked No. 60, noted the importance of this victory. “It’s number one — because Emma is a top-10 opponent and I haven’t beaten one this year. I had to fight, scrap, and be aggressive,” she said.

The match began with Raducanu establishing an early lead, winning the first set in a tiebreak after saving two set points. However, Navarro responded in the second set, breaking Raducanu’s serve and taking the set 6-2. It appeared Raducanu might be on the brink of defeat in the deciding set, but she regrouped after a timeout for foot treatment and significantly increased her aggression.

After being broken for 5-4, Raducanu broke back, staving off potential defeat. With both players displaying high-level tennis, the final set reached a tiebreak. Raducanu executed her shots confidently, sealing the match with a powerful forehand winner, followed by a joyful expression of disbelief. “I have no idea how I won that match to be honest,” she recounted. “It was a match full of ups and downs and full of momentum.”

Raducanu, previously without a full-time coach after parting ways with Slovakian trainer Vladimir Platenik, turned to former coach Mark Petchey for guidance during this tournament. Petchey, a familiar face in British tennis, provided coaching from Raducanu’s box, while her team also included fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura and long-time ally Jane O’Donoghue.

Looking ahead, Raducanu will face American McCartney Kessler, ranked 48th in the world, in the third round of the tournament. “I have good friends here with me, who know my game and know me so well — it’s about trusting your gut and trusting your feeling,” she noted in reference to her supportive team.

As the Miami Open progresses, Raducanu’s remarkable comeback illustrates her determination to overcome recent struggles and regain confidence on the court. With fans eager to see her advance, the atmosphere remains electric in South Florida as top players compete for the coveted title.