Tim Henman pinpoints the area of Emma Raducanu’s game that has improved the most in 2025 after her impressive run in Miami

 

Emma Raducanu Reaches New Heights in Miami with First WTA 1000 Quarter-Final

Emma Raducanu is experiencing her best tournament in years, making a breakthrough at the Miami Open.

Just weeks ago, the British star struggled to find form, suffering four consecutive defeats early in the season. Her loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Qatar dropped her record to 2-4 in 2025, raising questions about whether she could ever recapture the brilliance that saw her win the US Open in 2021.

However, Raducanu has staged a remarkable turnaround, securing a spot in the Miami Open quarter-finals—her first time reaching the last eight of a WTA 1000 event. She now faces world No. 5 Jessica Pegula in a highly anticipated clash.

Tim Henman Credits Raducanu’s Fitness for Miami Success

Former world No. 4 Tim Henman believes Raducanu’s improved fitness has been the key to her resurgence. Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Henman emphasized how her physical conditioning has evolved since her Grand Slam triumph.

“When you look back at her US Open victory in 2021, she didn’t have the physicality to sustain that level on tour. Injuries kept setting her back,” Henman said.

“But she’s put in the work—on the track, in the gym, and on the practice court—to build resilience. While the results hadn’t come immediately, hard work eventually pays off.

“Her tennis ability was never in doubt, but now she has a solid foundation. We’ve seen it in Miami—she’s playing great tennis and has a huge opportunity against Pegula.”

Underdog Role Suits Raducanu Against Pegula

Henman acknowledged that Pegula, a consistent top-five player, enters the quarter-final as the favorite.

“I think Emma goes into the match as the underdog,” Henman admitted. “But I believe that’s a position she enjoys.”

Pegula has been in strong form in Miami, dropping just one set en route to the quarter-finals. She overcame her toughest challenge in the third round, edging out Anna Kalinskaya in a final-set tiebreak.

Pegula’s Miami Open results so far:

• Round of 16: Def. Marta Kostyuk, 6-2, 6-3
• Round of 32: Def. Anna Kalinskaya, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6
• Round of 64: Def. Bernarda Pera, 6-4, 6-4

Jonathan Overend: “Raducanu Has a Great Shot at an Upset”

Tennis analyst Jonathan Overend believes Raducanu is playing well enough to spring another surprise.

“I think Emma Raducanu is in great form and could pull off another upset,” Overend said.

“After what Jack Draper did at Indian Wells, wouldn’t it be incredible if Raducanu could go all the way in Miami? We’re getting ahead of ourselves, but she’s got a real shot tonight.”

Raducanu vs. Pegula: Head-to-Head Even at 1-1

The Miami quarter-final will be the third career meeting between Raducanu and Pegula, with their head-to-head record tied at 1-1.

• 2024 Eastbourne (Round of 16): Raducanu def. Pegula 4-6, 7-6, 7-5
• 2022 Cincinnati (Round of 16): Pegula def. Raducanu 7-5, 6-4

Raducanu’s win in Eastbourne last year was her first against a top-10 opponent, but Pegula’s previous victory came on hard courts—similar conditions to Miami.

The two will now battle for a place in the Miami Open semi-finals on Wednesday, March 26.