Emma Raducanu didn't have any issues in her first-round match at the 2025 Miami Open, easily making it to the second round.
Raducanu's first-round opponent at the WTA 1000 event in Miami was Sayaka Ishii. The 19-year-old Japanese player is ranked 188th in the world, and she received a wild card to compete in the main draw in Miami.
It was a very favorable draw for Raducanu, who needed a win to boost her confidence after losing six of her last seven matches. The two had never met before, and the former US Open champion was able to use the experience she has acquired during her career to her advantage.
Raducanu, who recently deleted her Instagram profile, started with a break of serve, which is an ideal start to the match. However, she quickly lost that advantage, and after four games, the score was tied at 2-2.
That's when the British player started to dominate on the tennis court. Raducanu won 16 of the next 21 points in the first set to win four consecutive games, winning the set 6-2.
Raducanu's dominance didn't stop in the second set, either. She started by winning the first five games of the set, completely dominating on her serve as she lost only two points in three service games.
At 5-0 and 30-30, the Brit was only two points away from bageling her opponent, but Ishii held her serve, and Raducanu didn't have any issues serving out the match in the following game to win it 6-2, 6-1.
It was a very-needed win for Raducanu, who has struggled a lot this year. Speaking on the court after the match, she was very happy about her performance.
"I’m very pleased to have gotten through that. It’s not an easy first round, playing someone a bit younger, dangerous and in good form. So I’m really proud of how I competed today. It hasn’t been easy for me coming into this, but I think I put out a really good performance."
Raducanu will now face a proper test in the second round of the tournament. Since she isn't one of the seeded players, the Brit knew that she would face one of the seeds in the second round.
Her opponent will be Emma Navarro, who she never played before. Raducanu is looking forward to the match, even though she doesn't have too many expectations.
"It’s gonna be an extremely challenging match. I think I can just go out and try to express myself and compete for every point. She’s a great person. One of the people you’d warm to and say hi."
