Emma Raducanu backs longer tennis tournaments despite the controversy around the format

Emma Raducanu into the fourth round of the Miami Open for the first time after McCartney Kessler retired in their third round tie.

Emma Raducanu backs longer tennis tournaments despite the controversy around the format

Emma Raducanu (via X @JJlovesTennis)

The ATP and WTA made a significant change to the 1000-level tournaments which have received criticism from players. The tournament extended the 1000-level format to two weeks, which was previously only one week. However, Emma Raducanu has backed the controversial move of the tournament, claiming it gave her enough rest after each match.

The ATP Masters tournament and WTA 1000 events were extended to almost two weeks, with a qualifying period before the tournament proper and more time for players to recover between matches. Nonetheless, the changes have primarily increased broadcast and ticket revenues for tournament organizers.

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Players have criticized it for being too long and taking almost the same period as the Grand Slam events. But Raducanu, who has had to deal with injuries for the majority of her career, has easily adapted to the tournament as it gives her plenty of time to recover between matches. It has helped her excel at the Miami Open, where she’s into the fourth round for the first time in her career.

During her press conference at the Miami Open, she revealed that the length of the WTA 1000 tournaments gives her a day off, which is used for treatments and a proper recovery schedule before getting back on court.

I think it’s amazing that we get a day in between, to be honest. I think it helps so much with the recovery. I’m quite a big fan of these longer events, just because it gives us time to recover, especially, you know, by the time we finish everything, press, treatment, eating, by the time we get back and I’m second on, I’ll be home, like, 9pm, I think it’s great that I have a day off to recover.

Emma Raducanu said via Miami Open Press

Raducanu stunned Emma Navarro in the second round of the Miami Open, beating the Top 10 player in three sets. It was her first win over a Top 10 player on a hard court and her first since defeating Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne last year.

Emma Raducanu says she took a different approach to the Miami Open

Emma Raducanu had one of the most difficult starts to the year in her career but things seem to have found its level in Miami. The British star made headlines earlier in the tournament after parting ways with coach Vladimir Platenik after just 14 days of working together. But, despite the relationship not heading in the right direction, her performance on the court has surprisingly done so.

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu (Image via X/Cancha Central)

She produced a blistering display in her third round match against American McCartney Kessler. She was leading 6-1, 3-1 before the American retired from the match due to an injury. After the match, she revealed that she took a different approach to the event.

I think it’s a different approach this week. I think five minutes before the match I was playing spike ball with the team. It helps me to relax. When I’m playing my best tennis I’m really expressing my personality. I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit so I don’t need restrictions or being told what to do. I think when I’m being really authentic, that’s when I’m playing my best.

Emma Raducanu said

Raducanu’s win over Kessler was the first time this season that she won three consecutive matches. The British star will be hoping to extend her run at the event which will give her a chance to earn her career-best ranking since her comeback in 2024.

Emma Raducanu set to face Amanda Anisimova for the second time in Miami

Emma Raducanu is set to face an in-form Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round. The American produced one of the most courageous and audacious performances of the season by beating Dubai and Indian Wells champion Mirra Andreeva in the third round. It will be the second major test for Raducanu after Emma Navarro at the Miami Open.

Emma Raducanu Miami Open 2025
Emma Raducanu (Image via LTA)

Raducanu and Anisimova have met only once on Tour and that came at the Australian Open in January, with the former winning 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. This will be their second meeting and both players will be eager to progress after a good run at the event. However, Anisimova has won eight of her last 10 matches.