Raducanu Shines, Advances to Miami Open Round of 16

Emma Raducanu is heading to the last 16 at the Miami Open, stating she is confident in her own decisions and direction.

Raducanu demonstrated strong performance across the board in her match against McCartney Kessler. The American player retired due to a lower back injury during the second set on Sunday.

At the time of Kessler`s retirement, Raducanu was leading 6-1, 3-0.

After losing her initial service game, the British No. 2 player quickly regained control, winning the subsequent eight games before Kessler stopped the match.

Raducanu`s victory follows her impressive win against Emma Navarro, marking her third career win against a top-10 player. This win sets up a last-16 match with Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova previously defeated Indian Wells champion Mirra Andreeva with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-3.

Raducanu is scheduled to play Anisimova on Monday around 7pm.

`I believe my approach is different this week,` Raducanu mentioned, referencing her recent parting with coach Vladimir Platenik.

`Just five minutes before today`s match, I was playing spikeball with my team. It helps me to relax and keep things light.`

`When I`m at my best, I truly express my personality on court. I consider myself a free spirit, so I perform best without feeling restricted or overly directed.

`Authenticity in my game is key to my best performances.`

She added, `My movement feels strong currently. I feel I`m defending and returning serves more effectively. I`m generally satisfied with various aspects of my game. I aim to continue improving these areas to build consistency.`

Speaking with Gigi Salmon, Raducanu shared, `I was most pleased with my focus throughout the match. Focus is crucial in tennis, especially in matches like this.`

`Reaching the third round is significant for me, as it`s been a while since I`ve advanced this far in a tournament. I`m very pleased with my progress.

`My return game was effective from the start, allowing me to pressure her serve and dictate the match`s tempo from the first point. I`m adapting to the conditions with each match.`

`I am really proud of myself, my team, and the work we are doing, fostering a positive environment.`

Raducanu believes her dedicated fitness work with trainer Yutaka Nakamura is beginning to show results.

`I`ve avoided major injuries recently, which has been a significant challenge for me over the past few years. I`m grateful my body is holding up well,` she stated.

`My court coverage has improved; I`m reaching more balls. By consistently practicing and pushing myself to reach every ball, I believe I`m developing the confidence and skills to effectively respond once I get there.`

`I`m happy to string together a few solid performances. I anticipate being the underdog in my next match, and I embrace that role.`

Croft: Raducanu`s Performance Was `Breathtaking`

Annabel Croft`s analysis for Sky Sports Tennis following Raducanu`s victory over Kessler:

`Her performance was truly breathtaking from the very beginning, consistently hitting the ball cleanly and powerfully.

`Her effective service returns put pressure on her opponent, and she outplayed her after an early long rally.

`You could witness her opponent’s confidence diminish quickly. I don`t recall seeing her play with such sustained excellence throughout those nine games.`

Djokovic Achieves ATP Masters Win Record

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal to claim a record of 411 ATP Masters 1000 wins. This milestone was reached after his straight-set victory over Camilo Ugo Carabelli of Argentina.

Djokovic equaled Nadal`s record after defeating Rinky Hijikata on Friday and extended his record with a 6-1, 7-6 (7-1) win on Sunday.

The world No. 5 served 10 aces during the one hour and 46-minute match, setting up a last-16 encounter with Lorenzo Musetti.

`It`s an honor to achieve another milestone, another broken record. There`s always something significant at stake every time I compete, and that definitely motivates me to perform well in tournaments,` Djokovic commented.

Musetti advanced by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a close match 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. However, ninth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was defeated by Sebastian Korda 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

In other matches, fifth seed Casper Ruud progressed with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory over Alejandro Tabilo, while 12th seed Tommy Paul was defeated by 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).

Can Djokovic Reach Grand Slam Victory?

Jamie Delgado, coach of Grigor Dimitrov, discussed Djokovic`s Miami chances, stating: `In Australia, I thought he had a strong chance to win, even with his injury, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.

`I believe he would have been in the final if not injured. In a final against Jannik Sinner on hardcourt, it would be challenging, but I`d still favor his chances.

`I think Wimbledon presents his best opportunity.`

Murray-Djokovic Partnership: A Positive Collaboration?

Delgado, who previously coached Andy Murray from 2016-2021, also commented on the player-coach partnership expected to continue through Wimbledon and possibly beyond.

He noted, `Andy has exceptional tennis insight and experience playing against Novak and younger players like Alcaraz and Sinner.

`Tactically, he can offer valuable assistance to Novak.`

Colin Fleming commented, `I believe Murray is interested in observing Djokovic`s approach firsthand. There must be a level of intrigue for him.

`Andy is supportive of someone from his era. It`s an intriguing coaching opportunity for him.

`Djokovic has potential for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open this year. He remains a strong contender.`

Swiatek: Seeking Better Support

Former champion Iga Swiatek defeated Elise Mertens 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, becoming the first player to reach the last 16 in 25 consecutive WTA 1000 events.

Swiatek recently shared her emotional state over recent months in a social media post, addressing online criticism regarding an incident where she nearly hit a ball boy.

Her post also mentioned a doping suspension, her acceptance of potentially not regaining the world No. 1 ranking this season, and her experience of `crying daily for three weeks`.

Speaking to Gigi Salmon, she explained, `I clarified the reasons for my heightened frustrations in recent months. It`s difficult to completely block out the noise, especially in Poland, where media focus can be intense, particularly on negative aspects.

`Abroad, there`s generally more distance between the public and athletes` personal lives. At home, there`s a tendency to scrutinize every minor mistake. My post aimed to convey that this approach isn`t the most supportive, while acknowledging the existence of genuinely supportive fans.

`The post was intended to explain my recent frustrations and mindset, allowing me to move forward and concentrate on the future.

`I feel improved and ready to focus on my game without excessive pressure and scrutiny. I`ll reassess the online environment after the tournament.`

Swiatek`s next opponent is Ukrainian 22nd seed Elina Svitolina, who won against Czech 15th seed Karolina Muchova 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

Australian Open champion Madison Keys was defeated 6-4, 6-2 by Filipino wildcard Alexandra Eala.

Eala, who has trained at Rafa Nadal`s academy in Mallorca since age 13, will next play Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa. Badosa defeated Dane Clara Tauson 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).