Emma Raducanu Builds Momentum with Back-to-Back Wins at the Miami Open
Emma Raducanu has injected fresh energy into her 2025 season with two impressive victories at the Miami Open.
The world No. 60 began her campaign in dominant fashion, defeating 19-year-old Japanese wildcard Sayaka Ishii 6-2, 6-1 in the opening round of the WTA 1000 tournament. She then secured a thrilling second-round win against world No. 10 Emma Navarro, edging past the American 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3) in a match that lasted just under three hours.
This marks Raducanu’s third career victory over a top-10 opponent—and her first on hard courts.
The 2021 US Open champion now faces fellow unseeded player, world No. 48 McCartney Kessler, in the third round.
McCartney Kessler: A Rising Star
Kessler, a native of Calhoun, Georgia, had a standout collegiate career at the University of Florida, earning three-time All-American and First Team All-SEC honors.
Her rapid rise on the WTA Tour has been remarkable. She climbed from No. 217 at the start of 2024 to No. 67 by year’s end, highlighted by her maiden WTA title at the Tennis in the Land WTA 250 event last August.
The 25-year-old has continued her upward trajectory in 2025, securing a second WTA title at the Hobart International in January and finishing as runner-up at the ATX Open in March—both WTA 250 events, all on hard courts.
Kessler also made headlines in February when she stunned world No. 3 Coco Gauff 6-4, 7-5 in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Currently ranked No. 48, she is projected to reach a new career-high of No. 42 following her Miami Open run.
Kessler’s Path to the Third Round
The American battled through two hard-fought three-setters to reach the third round in Miami. She overcame world No. 50 Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in her opener before rallying past world No. 31 Linda Noskova 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 in the second round.
Raducanu vs. Kessler: Match Details
The third-round clash between Raducanu and Kessler—marking their first-ever meeting—will take place on Sunday, March 23. The official order of play is yet to be announced.
Raducanu on Facing Kessler
Speaking to Tennis Channel after her win over Navarro, Raducanu acknowledged Kessler’s strong form:
“I know she’s a really tough opponent. I just saw the end of her match in Dubai against Coco, and she’s been playing really well, winning a lot of matches. She’s in great form.
“It’s another match where I’ll have to be at my best to have a chance. But for now, I’m just really happy with my performance today.”
Raducanu will look to extend her Miami Open run as she builds confidence and momentum for the rest of the season
