Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has advised Emma Raducanu to resolve her coaching situation, adding that Raducanu`s current performance level is sufficient to break into the world`s top 30.
Raducanu`s impressive journey at the Miami Open concluded in the quarter-finals with a defeat against fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula on Wednesday.
Pegula overcame a determined effort from Raducanu to secure a hard-fought victory of 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2.
Despite this loss, Raducanu`s quarter-final appearance in Miami represents her best tournament result since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph.
Emma Raducanu`s Miami Open Highlights:
- Top 10 victory over Emma Navarro.
- Top 20 victory over Amanda Anisimova.
- Reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final.
- Returned to the top 50 in rankings for the first time since September 2022.
Navratilova commented on Sky Sports Tennis, stating, “It was amazing. Considering how she appeared at the end of the second set, you might have thought the match was over. Yet, she won the set, won the tie-break, and still competed in the third, despite not feeling well.”
“I believe stress was a contributing factor, as the weather was pleasant, and the match concluded late in the evening, so weather conditions weren`t the primary issue. While humidity is draining, Emma seemed to be experiencing something more. It`s truly impressive she completed the match.”
Navratilova added, “If she maintains her health and plays at this level, she could be seeded at Roland Garros. I anticipate her ranking improving significantly into the top 30. Her health remains the biggest uncertainty.”
“Hopefully, she can resolve her coaching situation, as it has been unstable. She needs to commit to someone and maintain that partnership for a while to assess its effectiveness.”
“If she consistently performs as she did against Pegula, her potential is limitless.”
Henman: Raducanu Aiming for Top 20 Return
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman remarked, “I thought the match quality and ball-striking from both players were exceptional. Pegula is ranked fourth globally, a US Open finalist, and performs best on hard courts. Raducanu matched her intensity.”
“Observing this level of play from Raducanu, including her movement, resilience, and fighting spirit, suggests she is on track to re-enter the top 20 or top 30. That`s what we hope to see.”
Raducanu: “Proud Despite Setback”
Speaking to the media post-match, Raducanu said:
“I`m genuinely proud of my fight and competitive spirit throughout the match. Jessica played exceptionally well from start to finish, demonstrating her class and high level, especially towards the end.”
“Despite today’s loss, I`m taking away positives from this week and looking forward. It wasn`t an easy path, and I played some excellent tennis to reach this stage. It was good to experience that feeling of playing well again.”
“I felt that competitive spirit return this week, which was refreshing and enjoyable to feel on court again.”
“I felt dizzy [before the medical timeout], almost faint. The humidity was high, and there was a significant wait, so it might have been cumulative.”
“The match was physically demanding with long rallies in tough conditions. I`m unsure how I regrouped in the second set, but I definitely struggled more in the third.”
“I need to pause and reassess my plans. This week was beneficial, but I need to organize my thoughts and create a plan moving forward.”
Pegula Acknowledges Raducanu`s Performance
Pegula acknowledged Raducanu`s strong play in her post-match comments: “It was a tough match. I played well in the first set, had a slight dip in the second, recovered, and led 2-0 in the tie-break, but momentum shifted.”
“She began to move the ball effectively and serve well… sometimes that happens. I aimed to start the third set strongly and quickly to gain an advantage and prevent the set from being too close.”
