Emma Raducanu battled against blisters and was forced to play “every single point like it was going to be my last” to secure a place in the third round of the Miami Open against top-10 opponent Emma Navarro.
Before the match, Raducanu had never beaten any player in the top 10 on a surface other than grass, and had to overcome tricky conditions and injury to beat the American in three sets 7-6, 2-6, 7-6, and she did so without a permanent coach.
After a scintillating first set epitomised by Raducanu’s attacking style, she faded in the second, then calling for a trainer in the break before the decider to apply an ice pack and strapping on painful feet that had clearly impinged on her performance and affected her movement.
The third set could have been a foregone conclusion as Navarro won five games in a row while the Briton struggled for a point, but Raducanu dug deep in the decider, breaking back and challenging Navarro to win on the tie-break in a thrilling contest.
What a performance from Emma Raducanu ????
She defeats the eighth seed Emma Navarro to advance to the Miami Open third round ✨ pic.twitter.com/GNiqYsZa3z
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) March 21, 2025
“I’m really proud of how I managed to find a third wind, I was absolutely exhausted. I was exhausted in the second set and I genuinely thought my legs were going to stop but I dunno how - just keep fighting. I literally played every single point like it was going to be my last so that’s I guess powerful in itself and I guess good proof of what you can do when you really put your mind to it,” Raducanu told Sky Sports’ Laura Robson after the game.
“I think in the third set, I actually used a lot of emotion in that, even if it didn’t maybe look like it, I think I’ve gone through a lot and I just told myself that I’ve gone through too much to just leave it to her so I was just fighting every single point like I’m going to take it, like every point my life depended on it and it was pretty powerful I guess at the end of the third set and the first.”
Despite the conveyor belt of changes behind the scenes, on the court, Raducanu showcased some of her trademark aggressive tennis that has seen her boast an impressive record against the top players, but Navarro was always going to be a difficult challenge after she went into the match on the back of a WTA title in Mexico just over a fortnight previously.
In the second set however, Raducanu started to look fatigued while Navarro noticed and took her chance to extend the rallies and further test the legs and longevity of the British player who was clearly struggling as she lost the second set 2-6.
Raducanu herself was affected on her hand during a defeat in 2022, and at the Australian Open at the start of that year, but not in recent years and not on her feet, but she managed to secure a place in the third round nonetheless.
When asked about the injury, Raducanu said: “I felt like in the second set my legs just stopped working to be honest and she was making me work so hard for every single shot and it was really hot on the court as well so a lot of friction with the shoes but I don’t know how I managed to pull that out [of the bag] to be honest, I probably have to speak to my team to get some debrief on that.”
Raducanu might have looked out of sorts in Indian Wells, admitting she needed to improve every aspect of her game at the end of a dismal set of results, but Miami has seen a significant uptick in performances.
In the opening match, she breezed through against Japanese 19-year-old Sayaki Ishii, despite finding herself yet again without a coach, but facing world number 10 Navarro in the second round was to be a different challenge altogether.
Vladimir Platenik lasted just 14 days in the trial period that was initially expected to last at least a few months, but did have time to work on her serve which has improved significantly since Palm Springs. Despite being heavily involved in Raducanu’s preparation for Miami, Platenik departed shortly before the first round, and in his place Mark Petchey has been seen working alongside her on the practice court.
Off the court, Raducanu’s search for a coach she is happy to have a long-standing relationship with looks set to continue after Nick Cavaday, who she worked with between the end of 2023 and the 2025 Australian Open was brought to a premature end because of his chronic health issues which forced him to leave the tour.
Her winter has also been compounded by a stalker who harassed her during tournaments in the Middle East causing her significant stress that overshadowed some promising victories at the Australian Open at the start of the year.
The opening round was Raducanu’s first win at the Miami Open after withdrawing last year through injury and lost in the first round in 2023, and on Grandstand court in the shadow of the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, her 2025 journey will continue.
08:54 PM GMT
Noskova or Kessler up next for Raducanu
Raducanu can look forward to an encounter with 30th seed Linda Noskova from Czechia or American McCartney Kessler.
The Briton has a 2-0 head-to-head record against Noskova. She has never played Kessler.
08:48 PM GMT
Raducanu speaking to Sky Sports post-match
“I am really proud of how I managed to find a third wind. I was absolutely exhausted in the second set and I genuinely thought my legs were going to stop but I have no idea, I just kept on fighting.
“I literally played every single point like it was going to be my last. So I guess that’s powerful within itself and today good proof of what you can do when you put your mind to it.”
08:36 PM GMT
First top-10 win on a hard court
08:32 PM GMT
How she did it
08:31 PM GMT
Raducanu wins the match!
Raducanu wins the opening point as Navarro’s retrun sails wide. 1-0
Navarro then levels things up with a forehand pass. 1-1
Raducanu gets the mini break as Navarro hits a forehand long. 2-1
The Briton consolidates to go 3-1 up before hitting a forehand drive volley long! 3-2
A huge return winner sees Raducanu get the mini break back. 4-2
Raducanu then goes 5-2 up after some great defence and a lovely passing shot. 5-2
Navarro gets to 5-3 after taking advantage of a mid-court ball.
Big first serve gives Raducanu a look at three match points. 6-3
And the Briton takes it! 7-3 after crushing a forehand cross. Huge win for Raducanu who was on the brink!
08:23 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 6-6 Raducanu
Raducanu hits a return winner to secure the opening point before Navarro gets on the board following an error from the Briton.
Raducanu gets to 15-30 after a loopy forehand finds the back of the baseline. An extended rally then sees the Briton come out on top as a passive Navarro pays the price.
A tie-break it is to decide this one!
08:16 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 6-5 *Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point after Navarro nets a backhand from the baseline.
The Briton then goes up 30-0 after another aggressive point.
Navarro gets to deuce after some good returning and then gets a break point as Raducanu slams a volley into the net. The American breaks again following a Raducanu double fault!
08:11 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 5-5 Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point as Navarro nets a regulation forehand. Raducanu then gets to 0-30 after Navarro sprays a forehand wide. The American gets on the board after a nice backhand cross and then picks up a Raducanu slice to go level at 30-30.
Navarro holds from 0-30 down and we are all square in this deciding set.
08:06 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 4-5 *Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point before Navarro levels up at 15-15.
A clean backhand down the line sees the American go up 15-30 and then 15-40 before eventually breaking back immediately.
We are back on serve in the third set.
08:02 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 5-3 Raducanu
Raducanu crushes a forehand return down the line to get things started. Navarro gets to 15-15 before Raducanu hits a lovely angled backhand to get to 15-30.
The Briton then gets to break point and gets the break after a lovely short angled forehand catches Navarro!
07:58 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 4-3 *Raducanu
Navarro wins the opening point with an aggressive forehand cross. Raducanu, who looks rejuvinated now, gets to 30-15 before Navarro hits a clean backhand down the line to go 30-30.
Raducanu is able to see it out though as she wins her third game in a row to go 4-3 up in the third set.
07:53 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 3-3 Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point after a gruelling long rally. A good return then pushes Navarro further behind the baseline as Raducanu goes up 0-30.
A lovely angled forehand sees Navarro register her first point in the game before levelling things up at 30-30.
Raducanu gets to deuce after a deep return sees Navarro scampering back behind her baseline. Raducanu gets to break point after a clean forehand winner up the line and the Briton breaks back!
07:46 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 3-2 *Raducanu
Raducanu pushes a backhand wide as Navarro wins the opening point. The American then hits a forehand return out before retaking the lead following a Raducanu error.
The Briton gets to 30-30 following a wayward Navarro forehand. Raducanu then hits a double fault to give Navarro break point that Raducanu saves.
Another double fault gives Navarro her second break point but Raducanu saves it with a nice forehand cross. The Briton does eventually hold.
07:37 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 3-1 Raducanu
Lovely backhand return winner sees Raducanu get to 15-15 before a long rally sees Navarro come out on top to go 30-15. The American eventually holds but not before Raducanu hits a clean winner to go 30-30.
Briton does well to get to deuce but Navarro holds after coming out on top following a long baseline rally.
07:31 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 2-1 *Raducanu
Raducanu gets on the board after holding at 15. The Briton still does not look all that pleased out there but that was an important hold.
Advantage still with the American.
07:28 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 6-2, 2-0 Raducanu
American takes full advantage with a quick love-hold.
Navarro has won the last 10 points in a row!
07:25 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 6-2, 1-0 *Raducanu
American wins the opening point before going up 0-30 after cracking a forehand winner down the line.
Raducanu, who clearly is not moving as freely as she was in the first set and for most of set two, gets broken to love.
07:17 PM GMT
Advantage back to Navarro
Disappointing finish to that set, but if we take the positives, perhaps Raducanu is trying to preserve energy for the decider? She certainly lost her sharpness towards the end. And now having both feet inspected by the physio. Advantage all the way back to Navarro, even if the scoreline is theoretically level.
07:16 PM GMT
Physio attends to Raducanu
Raducanu is being examined by the physio. Looks like the Briton is having issues with her feet as ice is applied.
07:14 PM GMT
Navarro takes the second set 6-2
Raducanu wins the opening point following a forced error from Navarro. The American then races to a 40-15 lead before closing out the game and the second set with a forehand down the line.
07:10 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 5-2 *Raducanu
Navarro wins the opening point before going up 0-30 as pressure mounts on the Briton. A double fault then gives Navarro three break points and the American takes it!
Double break now for the American who will serve for the second set.
07:07 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 4-2 Raducanu
Navarro opens with an ace and then gets to 30-0 as Raducanu starts to look a little weary.
The American then hits her second double fault of the match at 30-15 before a coming out on top after a punishing rally.
Navarro holds!
07:02 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 3-2 *Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point before Navarro crushes a forehand return down the line.
Raducanu gets to 30-15 following a nice backhand drive volley. Navarro then comes out on top after a physical baseline exchange to go 30-30.
An untimely double fault puts pressure on the Raducanu serve but the Briton eventually holds after hitting a backhand passing shot.
06:57 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 3-1 Raducanu
Raducanu gets to 15-30 on the Navarro serve before the American levels things up at 30-30.
The Briton had a good opportunity to get a break point look but sees a short ball fall wide. Navarro eventually consolidates the break!
06:52 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 2-1*Raducanu
Navarro breaks the Raducanu serve! The American was on the front foot throughout that game and was putting pressure on the Raducanu serve which eventually paid off.
Navarro broke Raducanu in the first set but the Briton did immediately break back remember?
06:49 PM GMT
Raducanu secures the first set
06:48 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-7, 1-1 Raducanu
Navarro then holds to 15, closing out the game with a lovely forehand dropshot.
Credit to the American for holding as comfortably as she did there.
06:45 PM GMT
Navarro 6-7, 0-1 *Raducanu
Raducanu holds to 15 to get things started in the second set. The best possible start for the Briton after a topsy-turvy opening set.
06:43 PM GMT
Advantage Raducanu
Super tough to call this match. Such a tight battle featuring two players with similar skillsets. Both move well and play a stylish, silky style without generating massive ball-speed. I thought Navarro had the edge for most of that first set, as she is the more seasoned match-player. But Raducanu kept staying positive in the tie-break and earned the advantage.
06:38 PM GMT
Raducanu takes the first set in the tie-break
Navarro wins the opening point on serve.
Raducanu levels things up at 1-1 and then takes a 2-1 lead after another clever body serve.
Navarro then hits a lovely angled forehand to go 2-2 and then takes the lead at 3-2.
Navarro gets a mini break at 4-2 after an extended baseline rally. A Raducanu ace brings the score to 4-3.
Raducanu gets the mini break back after a lovely forehand return winner. A tense point sees Navarro come out on top to go 5-4 up.
Navarro gets to 6-4 with a lovely smash. An uncharacteristic error from Navarro sees the American squander a set point opportunity.
Raducanu takes the first set on her first set point! The Briton was 4-6 down in the tie-break!
06:26 PM GMT
Navarro 6-6 *Raducanu
Navarro hits a forehand long as Raducanu goes up 15-0. The Briton finds a great first serve down the tee that Navarro returns which forces Raducanu to hit an error.
Great body serve at 30-30 sees Raducanu get to 40-30. The pair get into a baseline exchange and Raducanu comes out on top. A tiebreak will decide this first set.
06:20 PM GMT
Navarro* 6-5 Raducanu
Raducanu wins the opening point before Navarro hits a lovely disguised backhand dropshot to take a 30-15 lead.
Navarro eventually holds to 15.
06:17 PM GMT
Navarro 5-5 *Raducanu
Raducanu tucks up the American with a second serve to the body to go 15-0. The pair get into a baseline rally that sees Navarro come out on top after Raducanu hits a backhand wide.
Raducanu hits a lovely backhand down the line to give her two looks at a game point and she takes the first one after an assured rally.
06:11 PM GMT
Navarro* 5-4 Raducanu
Nice angled forehand sees Navarro win the opening point. The American then gets to 40-0 after notching up some quick points.
Raducanu gets on the board at 40-15 but Navarro eventually holds.
06:08 PM GMT
Navarro 4-4 *Raducanu
Raducanu whips a lovely forehand passing shot past the American for a 15-0 lead. The Briton then finds a good first serve to take a 30-0 lead before Navarro hits a deep return off a Raducanu second serve.
Navarro finds herself at the net but this time Raducanu is unable to pass the American who levels things up at 30-30. Raducanu hits a good second serve to get to game point and eventually holds to level things up.
06:02 PM GMT
Navarro* 4-3 Raducanu
Navarro comes out on top after a long baseline exchange to go 30-0 up.
Raducanu then pushes a forehand long before spraying a backhand wide as the American retakes the lead in the first set.
05:59 PM GMT
Navarro 3-3 *Raducanu
Raducanu pushes a forehand long to open things up. Navarro then gets to 30-0 after forcing the Briton behind the baseline.
After sustained pressure, Navarro gets to 15-40 on the Raducanu serve. The Briton saves the first after Navarro shanks a return and saves the second with a clever forehand back behind Navarro.
Navarro breaks after Raducanu hits a double fault.
05:53 PM GMT
Navarro* 2-3 Raducanu
Navarro hits her first double fault at 0-15 as Raducanu races to a 0-40 lead. Navarro saves the first break point with a well-taken forehand up the line.
Raducanu does break though with a thunderous forehand down the line!
05:49 PM GMT
Navarro 2-2 *Raducanu
Navarro hits a lovely return cross that had too much on it for Raducanu to deal with. Raducanu then hits her own cross court forehand that sees Navarro scrambling on the baseline.
Navarro then drags a backhand wide as Raducanu goes up 40-15 and eventually closes out the game with a lovely forehand volley.
05:45 PM GMT
Navarro* 2-1 Raducanu
Navarro races to a 40-0 lead after a few serve-plus-ones. Raducanu then comes out on top after another extended rally to 40-15.
A clean return winner then sees Raducanu take the game to 40-30 but Navarro eventually holds.
05:42 PM GMT
Navarro 1-1 *Raducanu
Briton starts with a nice first serve out wide that is unreturned by the American.
The two then get into an extended baseline rally that sees Raducanu come out on top. Navarro registers her first point on the Raducanu serve with a powerful second serve return.
Raducanu holds to 15. Solid stuff from the Briton.
05:39 PM GMT
Navarro* 1-0 Raducanu
Navarro won the toss and elected to serve.
The American raced to a 30-0 lead before Raducanu pegged her back to 30-30. Navarro eventually holds to 30.
05:36 PM GMT
Change in the Raducanu camp
Emma Raducanu is back out on court for her second round match in Miami, but behind the scenes there have been a lot of changes.
She was seen alongside Mark Petchey on the warm up court, who briefly worked with Raducanu back in 2020, before her US Open victory and is understood to be wanting to support her in this tournament.
However, her box is expected to be made up of Yutaka Nakamura and Jane O’Donoghue who has worked on an ad-hoc basis with the 2021 US Open winner and was coincidentally out in Miami when Raducanu asked her for advice.
05:34 PM GMT
Petchey working with Raducanu in Miami
Interesting hearing Laura Robson and Jamie Delgado speaking about Raducanu’s coaching situation.
Mark Petchey, who was Andy Murray’s coach for a period, was on the practice courts with the Brit this morning in Miami.
05:30 PM GMT
Players walking out
Emma Raducanu is first on court as Emma Navarro follows.
05:20 PM GMT
Ruud gets it done!
And that is it, fifth seed Ruud completes the comeback to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The Norwegian will play the winner between 30th seed Alejandro Tabilo and Corentin Moutet next.
05:14 PM GMT
Norwegian serving for the match
Ruud is a game away now after Kecmanovic holds to love. The Norwegian will serve for the match after the change of ends.
05:10 PM GMT
Ruud and Kecmanovic on Grandstand
Raducanu and Navarro will follow the men’s second-round match currently on Grandstand.
Fifth seed Casper Ruud is a break up in the third set against Miomir Kecmanovic.
04:55 PM GMT
Battle of the two Emmas
Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of Emma Raducanu’s second-round match at the Miami Open.
The Briton takes on namesake and eighth seed Emma Navarro of the United States in what will be a first-time meeting. The American, currently ranked 10th in the world, already has a title to her name this season after winning in Merida, Mexico earlier this month. Navarro, who was the top seed at the WTA 500, beat qualifier Emiliana Arango 6-0, 6-0 in the final.
Last week in the Indian Wells desert, Navarro lost to Donna Vekic 7-6, 6-1 in the third round after a three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea in her opening match. Raducanu fell in the first round in Tennis Paradise to Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima who went on to give world No 3 Coco Gauff a scare in the second round.
Raducanu is looking to put back-to-back wins together for the first time since the Australian Open. On Wednesday Raducanu needed just 65 minutes to see off Japanese world No 188 Sayaka Ishii 6-2, 6-1.
After that victory, Raducanu said: “My main objective today was to bring some energy, bring some competitiveness. I think that’s been missing in the last couple of months so I was really proud of that. It’s really nice to win in two sets in less than two-and-a-half hours.”
On the same day of Raducanu’s victory over Ishii in Miami, the news that she split with coach Vlado Platenik after a short trial also broke. The 49-year-old had only positive things to say about her game despite being dismissed 14 days into his trial period.
Simon Briggs spoke to the Slovakian coach and got his version of events. You can read his exclusive here.
