Emma Raducanu played an amazing match to beat Amanda Anisimova 6-1, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Miami Open. This is the first time Raducanu has reached a WTA 1000 quarter-final, and she will be back in the top 50 rankings for the first time since her surgery break in 2023.
Before the match, it seemed like it would be a tough challenge. Anisimova was once a young tennis star who reached the French Open semi-finals at 17 in 2019. She took a break in 2023 to focus on her mental health but returned strong, winning a WTA 1000 title in Qatar last month and making it to the fourth round in Miami.
However, Raducanu controlled the game from the start. Her serves and forehands, which had been problems in the past, were strong. She also used her solid defense and smart backhand slices to frustrate Anisimova. On the other hand, Anisimova struggled to keep the ball in play. She may have been tired from her tough match against Mirra Andreeva and also had a medical timeout due to blisters on her right hand.
After losing the first set, Anisimova received more medical help and had her right wrist taped. Though she improved a little in the second set, Raducanu stayed focused and didn’t let her intensity drop.
After the match, Raducanu shared with Sky Sports that it was challenging to stay focused because Anisimova’s game was unpredictable. Sometimes she made mistakes, and other times she hit powerful winners. However, Raducanu was proud of her ability to stay strong and keep her focus.
At the end of the match, Raducanu received a standing ovation from Mark Petchey, a British coach and commentator, and Jane O’Donoghue, a former player. It’s interesting that Raducanu’s success came just after she ended her trial with Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik. She said having a supportive team of people she trusts has helped her stay positive and play her best.
Raducanu also explained that when she feels free and authentic, she plays her best tennis. She doesn’t like to feel restricted by strict rules, and this week she has felt more like herself on the court. It seems like Raducanu has found her confidence and joy in the game again.
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