Emma Raducanu is set to compete against Jessica Pegula in the Miami Open quarterfinals, marking what is arguably her most significant match since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph.
Raducanu`s strong performance since becoming US Open champion at 18 years old continued as she decisively defeated American 17th seed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.
Raducanu`s serve was untouchable in the first set, contributing to an impressive showing that has propelled her into the world`s top 50 rankings.
`I`ve made considerable progress in the past week since Indian Wells [where Raducanu faced a first-round defeat],` she mentioned to Sky Sports Tennis.
`I wasn`t feeling particularly confident about my tennis or anything else, but this week I`m surrounded by supportive individuals whom I trust and enjoy spending time with off the court, which is incredibly important.`
`When I`m at my best, I`m truly myself, authentic, and creative. I feel restricted and unable to express myself when confined to a rigid approach. So, I`m pleased that I`ve recognized this this week.`
Earlier in March, Raducanu concluded her coaching trial with Vladimir Platenik after just two weeks, following her initial exit from Indian Wells, stating that it `wasn`t quite progressing in the right direction`.
Petchey and O`Donoghue `Bring Small Doses of Happiness`
Raducanu has now achieved four consecutive match wins for the first time since her momentous victory in New York. This is also her first time reaching the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event.
Petchey, a former Davis Cup player for Great Britain, was involved in Raducanu`s development during her teenage years, prior to her US Open win.
`There`s more of a balance between being focused and relaxed, rather than being constantly `on`,` Raducanu explained.
`I tend to work very diligently and can be quite intense, sometimes overly so. It becomes harder to maintain extreme focus throughout a match because you`re already intensely focused from the start to the end.`
`So, I believe being able to relax and enjoy time with them, like playing Spikeball before a match, and establishing certain routines, is beneficial. They introduce small moments of joy that help sustain you, the little things.`
Working with Platenik `Wasn`t Right at the Time`
Raducanu also clarified her reasons for the sense of trust and synergy within the team after parting ways with Platenik after a brief period.
She stated: `He`s an excellent coach with extensive experience. He has coached numerous players, guiding them to the top and developing their careers. I hold him in high regard as a coach.`
`It simply wasn`t the right fit at the time, and I`m uncertain about the future. However, this week has been a valuable lesson in realizing the importance of being happy, expressive, and true to myself.`
`Having familiar faces around, people I`ve known for a long time, even before the US Open, is incredibly valuable, at least for this week.`
`It’s challenging because I had just met him, and it`s difficult to develop years of connection instantly.`
Raducanu added: `I wasn`t feeling my best after Indian Wells, but coming to Miami – and then after concluding things with Vlado – having familiar faces, people I knew, who have really been through tough times with me but can also uplift me, has made a significant difference.`
`Just having them around, people I genuinely trust, is likely when I started feeling better off the court. This translated onto the court, and I felt more liberated.`
From Long Days to Feeling More Relaxed
Raducanu detailed the changes in her warm-up routine, adjusted by her team in Miami, to help the Bromley native feel more relaxed before her matches.
`I think before, even in the first half of this year, I would be intensely focused,` said Raducanu, who is close to reclaiming her position as British No. 1 should she reach the semi-finals in Miami.
`Every warm-up would last an hour, with minimal conversation, just intense focus. There were many long tennis sessions, gym sessions, and consistently long days. By the time I played a match, I was quite fatigued.`
`We`ve adjusted this week by incorporating more enjoyable elements, shortening certain aspects of warm-ups, and introducing unconventional activities.`
`For example, instead of just running back and forth in straight lines for warm-up, which can be monotonous, we play games and engage in three different sports before warming up, getting a good sweat and laughs in. Then, stepping onto the court, I feel much more relaxed, and every part of me is looser.`
`I believe it`s been effective this week. It`s definitely a valuable lesson for me to remember.`
Henman: She`s Reaping the Rewards of Hard Work
Tim Henman notes that Raducanu has shown `some very positive signs` leading up to her crucial match against last year`s US Open finalist, Pegula.
The former world No. 4 told Sky Sports: `First and foremost, we`re in a results-driven industry, and the fact is she`s been competing and winning. Her second match against [Emma] Navarro, in particular, was impressive; she played excellent tennis under pressure. Navarro served for the match, but Emma persevered and found a way to win.`
`Reflecting on this year’s tournament schedule, she`s participated in many events, which is a significant positive. While the results haven`t always been there, her consistent presence in competition and apparent avoidance of minor injuries that previously hindered her progress suggest she`s now benefiting from her hard work on the court, in the gym, and on her fitness.`
Physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, joined the team to enhance Raducanu`s physical resilience and athletic potential, and the initial signs are promising.
`In the broader view, it`s still early days,` Henman stated. `They`ve only been working together for a few months. Typically, these relationships take years to develop, building a foundation of physical conditioning and a deep understanding of Emma`s body. But, there are indeed very encouraging signs. I believe Emma is in a favorable position.`
Raducanu vs Pegula: Head-to-Head
Raducanu and Pegula have an even record in their two previous encounters. Pegula won in straight sets on the hard courts of Cincinnati in 2022, but Raducanu secured a victory on grass at Eastbourne last year.
