Emma Raducanu has reached her first WTA 1,000 quarter-final after a commanding straight-set victory over 17th seed Amanda Anisimova at the Miami Open.
The British star was in outstanding form from the outset, needing just 24 minutes to secure the opening set before sealing a 6-1, 6-3 triumph.
This marks her first time winning four consecutive WTA main-draw matches since her stunning 2021 US Open title run.
Raducanu came into the tournament struggling for form, having lost five of her previous six matches since the Australian Open. Additionally, she parted ways with coach Vladimir Platenik last week after just a two-week partnership.
Reflecting on her progress, the 22-year-old told Sky Sports:
*”I’ve come a long way in the last week since Indian Wells. I wasn’t feeling great about my tennis or everything else, but this week, I have really good people around me who I trust and enjoy being with off the court. That makes a big difference.
“When I play my best, I’m authentic, true to myself, and creative. If I’m boxed into a rigid structure, I can’t express myself the same way. I’m glad I recognized that this week.”*
Raducanu set the tone early, breaking Anisimova in the first game and maintaining complete control in the opening set without dropping a single point on her serve.
Her return game was particularly impressive, constantly applying pressure on the American’s serve. Anisimova, appearing frustrated and possibly struggling with a right wrist issue, called for a medical timeout between sets.
Although she improved in the second set, Raducanu continued to show resilience, breaking for a 3-1 lead.
Anisimova responded with a break of her own, but Raducanu quickly regained the upper hand and confidently served out the match.
“I knew I had to fight for every ball and make it as physical as possible because I backed myself in that aspect,” Raducanu added. “I was happy with how I moved, extended rallies from the start, and got into my opponent’s head.”
She will now face either Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk or world number four Jessica Pegula for a place in the semi-finals.
Other Results: Sabalenka, Zverev & Fritz Advance, Gauff Falls
World number one Aryna Sabalenka booked her place in the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-4 win over defending champion Danielle Collins.
The Belarusian secured a crucial break at 3-3 in the first set and carried that momentum into the second, wrapping up victory in an hour and 19 minutes.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini staged an impressive comeback to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, prevailing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 despite facing 15 break points.
There was disappointment for third seed Coco Gauff, who suffered a straight-set defeat to Poland’s Magda Linette, losing 6-4, 6-4.
Men’s Singles Action
Alexander Zverev recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Australia’s Jordan Thompson 7-5, 6-4. The German trailed 4-1 in the first set but fought back to win eight of the next nine games, setting up a fourth-round clash with Frances Tiafoe, who overcame France’s Arthur Fils.
Taylor Fritz also progressed, beating Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 7-5, 6-3. However, his fellow American Tommy Paul fell to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, losing 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).
