Raducanu Earns First Hard-Court Win Over a Top-10 Player in Miami
Emma Raducanu secured a gritty victory over Emma Navarro at the Miami Open, marking a personal milestone with her first career win against a top-10 player on hard courts.
In their first-ever meeting, the British star outlasted world No. 10 Navarro in a nearly three-hour battle, claiming a hard-fought 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (3) win. This triumph adds to Raducanu’s growing list of top-20 victories, having previously defeated Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari during last year’s grass season at Eastbourne and Wimbledon, respectively.
A Dramatic Finish in Miami
Raducanu appeared to be in control when she led 5-3 in the third set, but back-to-back service breaks allowed Navarro to serve for the match at 6-5. Just as a heartbreaking defeat seemed imminent, the 2021 US Open champion dug deep, broke back, and dominated the deciding tiebreak to emerge victorious.
After the win, Raducanu admitted she fought for every point with everything she had.
“I have really got no idea how I won that. It was a match full of ups and downs and shifts of momentum. It was so physical. It was an unbelievable match,” said the world No. 60.
Raducanu also credited the people around her for keeping her grounded during the tournament.
“Certain things I am able to do on court because of good work, but in the last few days I have had good friends here who know my game and know me so well. I think just trusting my gut and my feeling helped me get here.”
Next Up for Raducanu
In the Miami third round, Raducanu will take on world No. 48 McCartney Kessler as she looks to continue her deep run in the tournament.
