‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen Emma Raducanu play quite that well’ – former British No 1 after Miami Open win
Annabel Croft Hails Emma Raducanu’s “Breathtaking” Miami Open Performance
Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft has praised Emma Raducanu for her stunning third-round performance at the 2025 Miami Open, describing it as “breathtaking.”
Raducanu dominated McCartney Kessler, leading 6-1, 3-0 in just 42 minutes before her opponent was forced to retire due to injury. The world No. 60 broke Kessler in all five of her service games, winning the last eight games in a commanding display.
After a slow start to 2025 with a 3-6 record, Raducanu has surged back to form with three straight wins at the WTA 1000 event. She breezed past Sayaka Ishii in the first round before battling past world No. 10 Emma Navarro in a thrilling second-round clash. Next, the 22-year-old Brit will face world No. 17 Amanda Anisimova in the last 16.
Croft: “I Don’t Think I’ve Ever Seen Her Play This Well”
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Croft was full of admiration for Raducanu’s performance:
“It was absolutely breathtaking right from the word go. She was middling the ball beautifully, just incredible ball-striking.”
Croft highlighted how Raducanu’s aggressive returning unsettled Kessler early on:
“Her returns got into Kessler’s head. She just started outhitting her, and you could see her opponent’s confidence evaporate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her play quite that well over those nine games.”
Raducanu’s Fresh Approach to Success
Raducanu credits a relaxed mindset for her resurgence in Miami.
“Five minutes before the match, I was playing spike ball with my team—it helps me relax,” she said in her on-court interview. “I play my best tennis when I express my personality. I’m a free spirit, and when I’m being authentic, that’s when I perform best.”
The 2021 US Open champion also emphasized improvements in her movement and defense:
“My movement feels really good, I’m defending better, and my returns are strong. I’m happy with most areas of my game, and I’m focused on building consistency.”
With momentum on her side, Raducanu now looks to continue her Miami Open run against Anisimova in the last 16.
