MIAMI - Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu barely broke a sweat as she brushed aside Japanese wild card Sayaka Ishii 6-2 6-1 on March 19, 2025, to reach the second round of the Miami Open. Raducanu, who was ousted in the first round at Indian Wells, regained her footing against Ishii as she won 77 percent of her first-serve points, fired down six aces, and converted five of her six break point chances in the 65-minute match.
Up next for Britain's Raducanu will be American world number 10 Emma Navarro, who won a WTA 500 event in Mexico in early March for her second career title before losing in the third round at Indian Wells. "It's going to be an extremely challenging match," Raducanu said during her on-court interview. "She's probably in better form, so I can go out and express myself and try and compete for every point."
In other women's action, Belinda Bencic, fresh off a run to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, faces Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska on Grandstand, while twice Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka opens the evening session at Hard Rock Stadium against Ukrainian wild card Anhelina Kalinina.
On the men's side, Belgian David Goffin toughed out a 2-6 6-4 6-2 win over Australia's Aleksandar Vukic to set up a second-round meeting with second seed Carlos Alcaraz. Frenchman Gael Monfils was up against Hungarian Fabian Marozsan while Australian Nick Kyrgios was set to cap the Hard Rock Stadium day session against American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald.
Goffin’s effort was notable as he battled back after dropping the first set and showed resilience throughout. The victory is a crucial stepping stone for Goffin as he prepares for the challenge against Alcaraz, who is currently sitting as one of the top players in the sport.
Monfils, making his 13th appearance at the Miami Open, aims to capitalize on his experience as he faces Marozsan, who is looking to make a mark after reaching the quarter-finals in 2024. The match between Monfils and Marozsan is of particular interest to fans, given their contrasting styles and competitive spirits.
Speaking of competitive spirits, Nick Kyrgios's anticipation to face McDonald has been building. Both players are known for their electrifying styles, and their upcoming match promises to deliver excitement for the audience. The stakes are high as Kyrgios aims to advance while McDonald seeks to showcase his talent against a formidable opponent.
In a different matchup on the women's side of the draw, the intriguing showdown between Belinda Bencic and Dayana Yastremska will also capture attention. Bencic's recent form adds an additional layer of complexity to this contest, as she attempts to leverage her success at Indian Wells into another victory.
As fans keep a close eye on the Miami Open, the anticipation mounts around these matches. Raducanu’s journey is one to watch, and her next challenge against Navarro will be a litmus test for her current form. Could she continue to build momentum and rise in rankings? The Miami Open remains an important platform for these players to prove themselves.
Overall, the dynamic atmosphere of the Miami Open brings together not only seasoned players but also rising stars who aspire to make their mark. As matches unfold, each player will seek to demonstrate their skills and determination on the court. With the tournament in its early stages, the potential for upsets and thrilling performances looms large.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to some exciting match-ups and compelling storylines that enrich the world of professional tennis.
