Evert Predicts Fireworks in Raducanu v Andreescu Clash in Miami

| by Alex Waite

Emma Raducanu and Bianca Andreescu will face each other in the first round at the 2023 Miami Open and Chris Evert is expecting a blockbuster clash.

Both players competed at Indian Wells earlier this month and the pair were also eliminated by world number one Iga Swiatek at different stages. Raducanu crashed out in the round of 16, while Andreescu was eliminated in the previous round.

The two players won the US Open as teenagers as Raducanu lifted the title in 2021, aged just 18, and Andreescu was 19 when she won the same competition in 2019. However, former world number one Evert said to Eurosport that she expects an intriguing match between the high-potential players in Miami.

"When I saw that line-up and that Emma had to play Andreescu, I was like, ‘oh, that's going to be fireworks."

Evert told Eurosport
Emma Raducanu Not Part of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup Team
Emma Raducanu Not Part of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup Team

Evert also explained that the two players have shown the potential to progress in recent competitions, but need to discover their mental edge to compete at the higher levels in tennis.

"These are two players that have tremendous potential. They have won majors, are playing in the first round, are trying to get their game back - trying to get there not only physically, but trying to get that confidence, that champion mentality back and trying to get their game to where they had it when they won majors."

The tie will be a challenge for both players early on at the Miami Open and Evert believes the players could have benefited from easier draws in the early rounds.

"It's great for the spectators. It's a big draw. It's going to be an exciting match. I know I'll be there to watch it, but it's a shame for them because they need some easier draws to get matches to regain that confidence."

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