Raducanu Reaches Miami Open Round of 16: Is This Her Best Tennis Since US Open Triumph?

Emma Raducanu is making waves at the Miami Open, with some observers suggesting she’s playing her best tennis since her remarkable US Open victory in 2021. The 22-year-old Briton has reached the Round of 16 after a string of impressive performances, including a win against world No. 8 Emma Navarro. While her recent match against McCartney Kessler ended prematurely due to Kessler’s injury, Raducanu’s dominant performance has fueled speculation about a potential return to top form.

Raducanu’s Road to the Round of 16

Raducanu’s journey through the Miami Open has been marked by resilience and improved form.

• First Round: She started strong with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Sayaka Ishii.
• Second Round: Raducanu secured a notable upset against Emma Navarro 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 7-6 (7-3). This win marked her first top-10 victory on a hard court.
• Third Round: She advanced to the Round of 16 after McCartney Kessler retired due to a lower back injury, with Raducanu leading 6-1, 3-0.

This marks the first time Raducanu has won three consecutive tour-level matches since Wimbledon last year, signaling a potential turning point after a difficult period marred by injuries and coaching changes.

Signs of Improved Performance

Several factors suggest that Raducanu is finding her rhythm at the Miami Open:

• Aggressive Play: Raducanu has demonstrated an attacking style, putting pressure on her opponents’ serves and dictating the tempo of matches.
• Improved Serve: A notable improvement has been her serve, which had been a source of trouble in previous tournaments. She showcased this improvement by striking three aces in a row.
• Mental Fortitude: Raducanu has spoken about her improved focus and ability to leave off-court issues behind her, allowing her to compete with a clear head. She also displayed mental toughness in her match against Navarro, fighting back after being down a break in the third set.
• Relaxed Approach: Raducanu has adopted a more relaxed approach to the tournament, which she believes has contributed to her improved performance. This includes playing spike ball with her team before matches to ease tension.

A “Different Approach” and a “Free Spirit”

Raducanu has emphasized the importance of expressing her personality and being authentic on the court. She feels she plays her best tennis when she’s not restricted or being told what to do, embracing her “free spirit.” This contrasts with some of her past experiences, where frequent coaching changes and pressure may have hindered her natural game.

Coaching Changes and Current Status

Raducanu’s coaching situation has been closely followed. She recently ended a short trial with coach Vladimir Platenik, despite Platenik’s positive assessment of her rapid learning ability. Platenik noted improvements in her footwork, positioning, and serve technique during their brief time together. This change came after Nick Cavaday, her previous coach, stepped down due to health reasons. For the Miami Open, she was seen working with Mark Petchey, former coach of Andy Murray.

Since turning professional in 2018, Raducanu has worked with a number of coaches, including Andrew Richardson, who was in her corner during her US Open win. While Richardson achieved arguably the greatest success with Raducanu, the pair parted ways shortly after the US Open triumph.

The Road Ahead: Anisimova in the Round of 16

Raducanu’s next challenge is Amanda Anisimova, the No. 17 seed. Raducanu has a 1-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova, with a victory at the Australian Open earlier this year. Anisimova is a formidable opponent, a former Roland Garros semi-finalist and Wimbledon quarter-finalist, who recently won a WTA 1000 title in Doha.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

While Raducanu’s recent performances have been encouraging, some analysts remain cautious. They acknowledge her talent and potential but emphasize the need for consistency and continued improvement. Others point to the favorable circumstances in some of her Miami Open matches, such as Kessler’s injury, while noting her strong play against Navarro.

Can Raducanu Maintain Momentum?

The Miami Open presents a significant opportunity for Emma Raducanu to build momentum and regain her confidence. Her improved form, relaxed approach, and aggressive style of play have been promising signs. Whether this marks a sustained return to her best tennis remains to be seen, but her performance in Miami has certainly captured the attention of the tennis world.