Emma Raducanu and Stefanos Tsitsipas Disagree on Tournament Format as Andy Murray’s Record Falls
The Miami Open has been a hotspot for both on-court action and off-court drama. As the tournament progresses, players have voiced strong opinions on the recent changes to event formats, while significant milestones continue to reshape tennis history.
Raducanu and Tsitsipas Clash Over Tournament Length
Emma Raducanu has been in fine form at the Miami Open, advancing to the fourth round following a walkover win against McCartney Kessler. The 22-year-old Brit has welcomed the shift in ATP and WTA 1000 tournaments from a one-week format to nearly two weeks, citing improved recovery time as a key benefit.
“I think it’s amazing that we get a day in between matches. It helps so much with recovery,” Raducanu stated. “By the time we finish everything—press, treatment, eating—we get back late. Having a day off makes a huge difference.”
However, not all players share her enthusiasm. Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas took to social media to voice his displeasure, writing, “The two-week Masters 1000s have turned into a drag. The quality has dropped. Players aren’t getting the recovery or training time they need, with constant matches and no space for intense off-court work.”
Murray’s Record Surpassed by Sinner
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner has surpassed Andy Murray’s 41-week reign as world No. 1, holding the top spot for 42 weeks. The 23-year-old Italian is now just one week away from matching Gustavo Kuerten’s record. However, Sinner’s suspension due to two positive doping tests means he cannot accumulate additional ranking points until his return at the Rome Masters in May.
Alcaraz Criticized for Comments on Pressure
Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, opened up about his struggle with pressure following his Indian Wells defeat to Jack Draper. “I was more worried about my opponent’s level than my own,” Alcaraz admitted.
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou questioned Alcaraz’s choice to speak publicly about his struggles, stating, “Most players wouldn’t admit this. We’ll see if verbalizing it helps him or adds more pressure.”
Svitolina and Swiatek Exchange Warnings Ahead of Miami Clash
Elina Svitolina and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek are set to face off in the round of 16. Svitolina, eager for the challenge, declared, “I have nothing to lose and only things to gain. Swiatek is a big champion, but I’m ready.”
Swiatek acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, responding, “Elina is a great player with a lot of experience. I need to be solid and proactive. I’m preparing tactically, and we’ll see what happens.”
