Jessica Pegula claims struggling Emma Raducanu finally gets ‘monkey off her back’ after 2 consecutive wins in Miami
Emma Raducanu emerged victorious in a tough three-hour second-round match against Emma Navarro at the Miami Open.
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Jessica Pegula, Emma Raducanu (Image via X/US Open, We Are Tennis)
Emma Raducanu‘s struggles due to poor run of form finally came to an end it seems. In the three-hour ‘battle of the Emmas’, the Brit knocked out World No.10 Emma Navarro 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3) to reach the third round of the Miami Open.
This is the second time this year that Raducanu has progressed to the third round of a tournament following the Australian Open where World No.2 Iga Swiatek ended her campaign. Following her exit, Raducanu registered three consecutive defeats in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, before ending the losing streak in Dubai.
At Indian Wells as well, it was no different; for Raducanu once again succumbed to a defeat in the first round. Jessica Pegula, who is also bidding to win the Miami Open, said Raducanu “belongs with the top players” when she’s playing at a top level.
It’s tough nowadays, the depth is so good if you can’t really rack in those matches and play a lot and get those wins under your belt it can be really difficult to keep that confidence. I can understand why she was probably a little emotional. Winning two matches at a WTA 1000, beating a Top 10 player, that’s massive. Sometimes it takes a physical and mental battle to get through that.
Jessica Pegula said at the press conference
Raducanu’s win over Navarro was her first victory over a top-10 player this season and third in her career. The World No. 60 is now 1-0 over Navarro.
And in that moment, you’re thinking, ‘My gosh, how am I going to do this? Not again?’ For her to come back in the third and win the tiebreaker. I’m sure she feels like there’s a monkey off her back.
Jessica Pegula added
The 31-year-old American, the fourth seed in the tournament, beat Bernarda Pera in the second round to schedule a clash with Anna Kalinskaya. She is searching for a second title of the season following her win at the ATX Open.
Emma Raducanu’s recent wins is more important than her US Open triumph
Emma Raducanu hogged the limelight for the first time when she won the 2021 US Open as a teenager and a qualifier. Since then, she has seen a drastic downfall in her career due to form and injury issues. Raducanu, following her win over Emma Navarro, recalled that historic win and said how it’s different than her recent campaigns.
I know I won the US Open, but I think having been through so much in the last few years, it’s like the wins now mean so much more. Not necessarily more in terms of magnitude, but I would say emotionally, just a lot more aware of all of the suffering as well.
Emma Raducanu said at the press conference
She attracted big sponsors following that US Open victory and her earnings through the lucrative deals only gave an opportunity to the critics to accuse her of prioritizing brands over tennis. Last year, the 22-year-old played less than 15 tournaments which made her vow to add more tournaments to her schedule this year.
Raducanu, apart from her struggles due to poor form, also recently parted with her eighth coach Vladimir Platenik. Also last month in Dubai, she dealt with a disturbing incident involving a stalker that left her in tears.
Emma Radcuanu to lock horns with McCartney Kessler
Emma Raducanu has never faced McCartney Kessler in her career. The American, who will face Raducanu on Sunday (March 23) defeated 30th seed Linda Noskova in the second round.
Raducanu withdrew from the Miami Open last year. Kessler, on the other hand, was defeated in the qualifying rounds.
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