Emma Raducanu Secures First-Ever Miami Open Win with Dominant Display
Emma Raducanu broke new ground at the Miami Open, earning her first-ever victory at the tournament with a commanding win over teenage wildcard Sayaka Ishii. The British No. 2 had fallen in the opening round in both of her previous appearances but finally found success in Florida, dispatching Ishii 6-2, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with eighth seed Emma Navarro.
Despite an early wobble, Raducanu quickly took control, winning 10 of the last 11 games. The world No. 60’s triumph also marked her first match win since an incident in Dubai where a spectator exhibiting “fixated behavior” was removed from the stands.
Raducanu’s Experience Proves Crucial
After struggling with the conditions in Indian Wells earlier this month, Raducanu was determined to make a stronger showing in Miami. She received a favorable first-round draw against world No. 188 Ishii, who was competing in her first-ever WTA 1000 event and had limited experience at the tour level.
Raducanu’s composure shone through despite an early setback. After breaking Ishii in the opening game, she immediately lost her own serve to love. However, she quickly regrouped, reeling off four consecutive games to claim the first set 6-2.
Her momentum carried into the second set, where she raced to a 5-0 lead before Ishii finally got on the scoreboard. But Raducanu wasted no time in closing out the match, sealing victory in just over an hour. Afterward, she celebrated by writing “Keep keeping on” on the camera lens.
A Statement Performance
Reflecting on her dominant display, Raducanu expressed her satisfaction with how she handled the match.
“I’m very pleased to have got through that. It’s not an easy first round, playing someone younger, dangerous, and in good form,” she said. “I’m really proud of how I competed today. It hasn’t been easy for me coming into this, but I think I put out a really good performance.”
Having lost in the first round in both 2022 and 2023, Raducanu now has the chance to advance to the third round for the first time. However, she faces a tough challenge in Navarro, who recently claimed her second WTA title in Merida.
“It’s going to be an extremely challenging match,” Raducanu admitted. “I think she’s probably in better form, so I can just go out, try to express myself, and compete for every point.”
She added a lighthearted note about her upcoming opponent: “She’s a great person on tour, one of the few people you warm to and say hi to, so it’s going to be a double Emma tomorrow or whenever!”
Coaching Situation Remains Unclear
Raducanu is still without a full-time coach following her split from Nick Cavaday in January. However, she had a familiar face in her box for her Miami opener—Jane O’Donoghue, a former player and long-time mentor who has worked with her since her junior days. LTA coach Colin Beecher was also present.
Notably absent was Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik, who had joined Raducanu on a trial basis in Indian Wells. It remains uncertain whether their trial period has ended following her first-round exit in California.
With her first Miami Open win secured, Raducanu will now turn her focus to her clash with Navarro, hoping to build on her strong start in Florida.
