Emma Raducanu is set to face American player McCartney Kessler in the third round of the Miami Open 2025, following a thrilling victory over world No. 10 Emma Navarro. Raducanu’s impressive win against Navarro, in a match filled with momentum shifts, has set the stage for an intriguing contest against Kessler.
Raducanu’s Road to the Third Round
Dominating Ishii in Opening Round
Raducanu began her Miami Open campaign with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Japanese wild card Sayaka Ishii. This swift win demonstrated Raducanu’s readiness for the tournament and set up the anticipated second-round match against Emma Navarro.
Epic Battle Against Navarro
The second-round match between Raducanu and Navarro was a captivating encounter, lasting just under three hours. Raducanu secured the win with a score of 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3), marking her first top-10 victory on a hard court.
- First Set: Raducanu edged out Navarro in a tie-break, saving two set points.
- Second Set: Navarro responded strongly, capitalizing on Raducanu’s struggles with blisters to level the match.
- Third Set: Raducanu showed resilience, winning four consecutive games after trailing 3-1 and ultimately dominating the final tie-break.
Raducanu described the match as “unbelievable,” highlighting the physical and mental challenges she overcame. She expressed pride in her ability to find a “third wind” and fight for every point.
Meet McCartney Kessler: Raducanu’s Next Opponent
Kessler’s Rise in the Rankings
McCartney Kessler, currently ranked No. 48 in the world, has been making waves in the tennis world. At 25 years old, Kessler is an American player who achieved her maiden WTA title at the Tennis in the Land WTA 250 event in August 2024. She jumped from 217 to 67 at the end of 2024, showcasing her rapid improvement and potential.
Notable Wins and Form
Kessler has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level, including an upset victory over world No. 3 Coco Gauff at the Dubai WTA 1000 event in February. In Miami, Kessler progressed to the third round by defeating Marie Bouzkova and Linda Noskova.
Raducanu’s Assessment of Kessler
Raducanu acknowledged Kessler as a “really tough opponent,” recognizing her recent success and strong form. She anticipates a challenging match and understands the need to perform at her best to advance further in the tournament.
Keys to the Raducanu vs. Kessler Match
Raducanu’s Mental Fortitude
Raducanu’s ability to maintain “inner calmness” in critical moments will be vital. Her performance against Navarro demonstrated her mental strength, particularly in tie-breaks and high-pressure situations.
Physical Condition and Blisters
Managing her physical condition, especially the blisters that troubled her against Navarro, will be crucial for Raducanu. Ensuring she is in top physical form will allow her to maintain her aggressive playing style throughout the match.
Kessler’s Consistency and Strengths
Raducanu needs to be prepared for Kessler’s consistent play and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Kessler’s previous win against Coco Gauff highlights her potential to upset higher-ranked players.
Tactical Adjustments
Raducanu may need to make tactical adjustments during the match to counter Kessler’s strengths and exploit any weaknesses. Adapting her game plan as the match evolves will be essential for securing a victory.
Expert Analysis
Tennis experts recognize the significance of Raducanu’s win against Navarro, noting it as a potential turning point in her career. Her ability to overcome adversity and secure a top-10 victory has boosted her confidence and provided valuable momentum.
Mark Petchey’s Influence
Ahead of the match against Navarro, Raducanu was seen practicing with Mark Petchey, former coach of Andy Murray. Petchey’s presence in her box during the match suggests his ongoing involvement and influence on Raducanu’s game.
Raducanu’s Emotional Resilience
Raducanu has spoken about an “emotional time” and the challenges she has faced in the past year. Her ability to channel these experiences into positive energy on the court has been a key factor in her recent success.
How to Watch
Emma Raducanu’s third-round match against McCartney Kessler at the Miami Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and available via NOW TV.
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