Emma Raducanu made a significant statement at the Miami Open, advancing to the last 16 after a commanding performance against American player McCartney Kessler, who retired from the match while trailing 6-1, 3-0. This marks Raducanu's first visit to the fourth round of the tournament since her breakthrough victory at the 2021 US Open.
The match, held on March 23, 2025, showcased Raducanu's impressive form, where she won nine out of ten games before Kessler struggled with an injury and ultimately withdrew. Speaking after the match, Raducanu, ranked No. 60 in the world, expressed her empathy for Kessler: “It’s never a way that any athlete wants to win the match. I wish McCartney a speedy recovery. She’s in such good form right now, playing such good tennis, playing so aggressive.”
As she prepares for her next challenge, Raducanu will face either No. 17 seed Amanda Anisimova or No. 11 seed Mirra Andreeva on March 24, 2025. This upcoming match will not only test Raducanu's skills but also her mental fortitude, especially given the rollercoaster year she has navigated so far.
Before reaching this point in the Miami Open, Raducanu's year had been rocky. Following a third-round exit at the Australian Open, she experienced six defeats in seven matches, a tough stretch that included the resignation of her coach Nick Cavaday for health reasons, and later a split from coach Vlado Platenik. However, her experience against wildcard Sayaka Ishii in the first round, where she won 6-2, 6-1, sparked a crucial turnaround.
Despite the ups and downs, Raducanu seemed to find a new rhythm. The second-round match against No. 8 seed Emma Navarro was particularly noteworthy, displaying some of her finest tennis in recent months, where she managed to edge Navarro in a grueling three-set battle, winning 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (3).
In the match against Kessler, the British tennis star's serve was a major asset, a stark contrast to her previous struggles earlier in 2025. During the match, she secured an impressive 79% of points on Kessler's second serve, reflecting her aggressive play style that impeded her opponent's opportunities to gain control. Moreover, Raducanu showcased her serving prowess with a sequence where she delivered three aces in succession.
Assessing her own performance, Raducanu reflected on her aggressive mindset, stating, “From the first point I was putting pressure on her serve. I was just imposing myself and my game.” Her ability to dominate early in the match set the tone for a confident display, allowing her to establish control quickly and maintain momentum throughout.
Raducanu's recent victories come even as she temporarily adjusts to a new coaching dynamic. With no official full-time coach at the moment, she has taken a more relaxed approach during her matches, guided by 'big sister' figure Jane O’Donoghue and former coach Mark Petchey. “Five minutes before the match, I was playing spike ball with the team. It helps me relax. When I’m playing my best tennis I'm really expressing my personality,” she said, emphasizing the importance of staying authentic and free-spirited while competing.
The Miami Open has proven a unique testing ground for Raducanu as she juggles the pressures common in high-level tournaments with her evolving identity as a player and person. Although she recognizes that consistently winning without a structured coaching plan isn’t sustainable long-term, this fortnight has allowed her to embrace a fresh perspective.
As fans look ahead to her next match, Raducanu has heightened the excitement around her journey, countering a year filled with uncertainties. Her performance in the upcoming rounds could very well signify a turning point in her season, one that echoes her triumph at the 2021 US Open, where she solidified her status on the professional circuit.
In conclusion, with her blend of talent, determination, and newfound mental clarity, Emma Raducanu stands at a crossroads in her career. Success in her next match could mark the beginning of a remarkable comeback, bringing her back to the peak of competitive tennis.
