Emma Raducanu continued her impressive run at the Miami Open with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over Amanda Anisimova, securing a place in the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her comeback journey, as she is set to return to the top 50 for the first time since her eight-month injury layoff in 2023, during which she underwent surgery on both wrists and an ankle.
Her next challenge will be a match against fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who earned her spot in the quarter-finals with a solid win over Marta Kostyuk.
The match against Anisimova was expected to be a tough contest. Anisimova, once a teenage sensation who reached the French Open semi-finals at 17, has been on a resurgence this season. She recently won her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open and followed it up with a strong run in Miami, including a victory over Indian Wells champion Mirra Andreeva. However, in this encounter, Raducanu dominated from start to finish, delivering one of her most consistent performances.
Throughout the tournament, she has displayed some of her best tennis since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph. Her serve and forehand, which have been inconsistent in the past, were sharp and effective. She also showcased her defensive skills, frustrating opponents with a well-executed backhand slice.
Anisimova, known for her clean ball-striking and precise timing, struggled to find her rhythm. Fatigue from her late-night three-set battle against Andreeva, coupled with blisters on her right hand, seemed to hinder her performance. By the end of the first set, she appeared to be struggling both physically and mentally, even conceding the final game without much resistance. A medical timeout between sets saw her returning to the court with her right wrist taped, but despite an improvement in her level, Raducanu remained relentless.
After the match, Raducanu acknowledged the challenge of maintaining focus against an opponent whose form fluctuated between unforced errors and sudden winners. She expressed pride in her ability to stay composed and adapt to the unpredictable nature of the match.
The win was met with enthusiastic applause from her team, which currently includes British coach and commentator Mark Petchey and former player Jane O’Donoghue. Interestingly, Raducanu’s success has coincided with her decision to part ways with Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik just before the tournament.
She has spoken about the importance of surrounding herself with a team she trusts and enjoys being around, crediting this positive atmosphere for her improved performances. She also reflected on how playing with freedom and authenticity allows her to express herself on the court, emphasizing that a rigid approach does not suit her style.
With this momentum, she moves into the quarter-finals with confidence, aiming to continue her deep run in Miami and build on the progress she has made.
