‘Proud’ Emma Raducanu makes ‘hungry’ admission as she continues resurgence in Miami
Emma Raducanu reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open for the first time in her career after knocking out Amanda Anisimova.
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Emma Radcucanu (Image via X/LTA)
Emma Raducanu is trying not to overthink. The British ace is enjoying a resurgence in the ongoing Miami Open as she breezed into the quarterfinals on Monday with a 6-1, 6-3 win against World No.17 Amanda Anisimova.
The match, which lasted for 69 minutes, saw Raducanu hit eight winners and the same number of unforced errors against the home favorite who, although had smashed 12 winners, ended up making 37 unforced errors.
This win is crucial for Raducanu as it’s only the second time in her career she won four consecutive matches in a tournament. The first was her historic 2021 US Open triumph, where she clinched seven back-to-back matches to grab the Grand Slam title as a qualifier and as a teenager.
For me, what I am most proud of is having found the competitive spirit and being there for every ball. That is what has been lacking in recent months and even in some years. My biggest victory is feeling hungry, feeling competitive on the court, wanting to chase after every ball.
Emma Raducanu said at the post-match press conference
Raducanu arrived in Miami following three consecutive first-round defeats and another two early exits. Prior to Anisimova, Raducanu also defeated eighth seed Emma Navarro in the second round. This means she has now registered victories over two top 20 players at the same tournament for the second time in her career. The first time, once again, was at Flushing Meadows in 2021.
Friendship took backseat during Emma Raducanu-Amanda Anisimova match
Emma Raducanu is good friends with Amanda Anisimova, but she didn’t let it hamper her from going all guns blazing during the match. Following the match, the 22-year-old improved her head-to-head record over Anisimova to 2-0.
She is in very good form and has won many matches this year, including a WTA 1000, she is among the top 20. I am very proud of how I was there for every ball from the first point, working very hard in every exchange. It is not easy to play against someone you get along with so well, but I am glad to have put that aside on the court today.
Emma Raducanu said at the press conference
Anisimova has already claimed a title this year, which was also the biggest one of her career. She lifted the WTA 1000 Qatar Open title by beating Jelena Ostapenko. Before setting up the clash with Raducanu, Anisimova snapped Mirra Andreeva‘s 13-match winning streak in three sets.
If Raducanu reaches the semifinals, she could schedule a match against World No.2 Iga Swiatek. Her revenge over the Pole could pit her against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Emma Raducanu to meet Jessica Pegula next
Raducanu has to overcome another tough opponent to inch closer to her second WTA title of her career. The Brit, who has so far knocked out three home favorites in the previous three matches, is pitted against another American.
Raducanu is set to lock horns with fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. The World No.4, before setting up the clash with the youngster, beat Marta Kostyuk in straight sets in the fourth round.
The Brit has met the 31-year-old twice and their head-to-head record is currently tied at 1-1. In their last encounter in the fourth round of 2024 Eastbourne International, Raducanu came out on top in three sets.
Pegula has so far progressed to two finals this season. She lost the Adelaide International to compatriot Madison Keys but was successful in beating McCartney Kessler to win the ATX Open, which she claimed just before kick-starting her Sunshine Double campaign.
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