Emma Raducanu says what she thinks about Emma Navarro ahead of their second round match at the Miami Open
Emma Raducanu made a return to winning ways after beating wildcard Sayaka Ishii to setup a meeting with Emma Navarro.
Raducanu suffered an early exit at Indian Wells, signifying what has been a challenging start to the 2025 season for the Brit.
While the former US Open champion has found wins hard to come by, Raducanu has been supporting Jack Draper, her compatriot who wo
Emma Raducanu Returns to Winning Ways, Sets Up Clash with Emma Navarro
Emma Raducanu got back to winning form at the Miami Open, defeating wildcard Sayaka Ishii in straight sets to set up a showdown with world No. 10 Emma Navarro.
Raducanu has endured a challenging start to the 2025 season, suffering an early exit at Indian Wells. However, despite her own struggles, the former US Open champion has been supporting fellow Brit Jack Draper, who recently claimed the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells.
Raducanu has also weighed in on the success of Mirra Andreeva, drawing parallels between their careers as teenage sensations who burst onto the scene at a young age.
With only her second victory since the Australian Open, Raducanu now faces a tough challenge against a top-ranked opponent.
Raducanu on Facing Navarro: “An Extremely Challenging Match”
Raducanu made a dominant Miami Open debut, defeating Ishii 6-2, 6-1 to secure her place in the next round.
Her next opponent, Navarro, recently made history by capturing her second WTA title in Merida. Despite having never played each other in a competitive match, Raducanu is familiar with the US Open semi-finalist and had high praise for her.
“It’s going to be an extremely challenging match,” Raducanu said in her on-court interview.
“She’s in great form, so I’ll just go out there, try to express myself, and compete for every point. She’s a great person—on tour, she’s one of the people everyone warms to and says hi to.”
Raducanu Highlights What’s Deceptive About Navarro’s Game
Navarro is currently one of four American women ranked inside the top 10, and her rise in the sport was recognized last year when she was named WTA’s Most Improved Player.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Raducanu pointed out a key underrated aspect of Navarro’s game—her power.
“I think it’s deceiving how hard she hits, especially her backhand. Her forehand gives her a lot of variety, and she can maneuver the ball well,” Raducanu explained.
“In a way, we’re quite similar in our build and style of play, so it’ll be an interesting matchup. I’m looking forward to it, and right now, I don’t feel any pressure.”
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Raducanu will aim to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since the Australian Open when she takes on Navarro on Friday, March 21. Can she pull off an upset, or will Navarro’s strong form continue?
Let us know your thoughts!
n the biggest title of his career so far at Indian Wells.
Raducanu has also commented on Mirra Andreeva, who won the women’s singles title at Indian Wells, with parallels between their respective careers after both coming into the spotlight as teenagers.
After winning only her second match since the Australian Open, Raducanu will now face a tough test against the world number 10.
Emma Raducanu says what she thinks about Emma Navarro
Raducanu beat Japanese wildcard Ishii, 6-2 6-1, to win her first ever match at the Miami Open.
This has set up a first-time meeting with her namesake, Navarro, who recently made history after winning her second WTA title in Merida.
In her on-court interview after the match, Raducanu was asked about her upcoming match with Navarro.
While they have never played a competitive match against one another, Raducanu suggested that she has crossed paths with the US Open semi-finalist when praising Navarro.
“It’s gonna be an extremely challenging match,” said Raducanu. “I think it’s a match where she’s probably in better form, so I think I can just go out and try and express myself and compete for every point.
“She’s a great person, I think on the tour it’s probably one of the people we would like warm to and say hi.”
Emma Raducanu explains what is deceiving about Emma Navarro
Navarro is one of four American women currently ranked inside the top 10, with the 23-year-old being named the ‘Most Improved Player’ on the WTA Tour last year.
When continuing to speak about Navarro after her win, Raducanu suggested to Sky Sports that she thinks the American’s power is underrated.
“I think it’s deceiving how hard she hits the backhand especially, forehand, you know she can do a lot with the ball,” explained Raducanu.
“She can maneuver the ball, a lot of variety and I think in a way we’re quite similar in terms of our build and in terms of our game, so I think it will be an interesting matchup and one that I’m looking forward to and I guess one right now that I don’t have pressure on.”
Raducanu will look to win back-to-back matches since the Australian Open when she plays Navarro at the Miami Open on Friday March 21.
