Emma Raducanu withdraws from Miami Open due to ongoing illness Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Miami Open after citing health issues, marking another setback in her recent return to competitive tennis. The 23-year-old British world No. 1, who received a bye into the second round of the tournament, had been preparing for the event following a challenging period of recovery from post-viral symptoms. The illness, which she has been battling since her time in the Middle East last month, has forced her to skip the event. Raducanu’s recent participation in the Indian Wells tournament highlighted her struggles with fitness. In a third-round match earlier this month, she faced a 6-1, 6-1 defeat at the hands of Amanda Anisimova. After the 52-minute match, Raducanu acknowledged her physical limitations, stating she lacked the power to compete effectively against the two-time Grand Slam finalist. She admitted to avoiding drop shots and struggling to apply pressure with her return of serve, which left her unable to challenge Anisimova’s dominance. The former 2021 US Open champion had recently parted ways with her coach Francisco Roig in January and has been working with Mark Petchey on an ad-hoc basis. This transition has been part of her efforts to regain form after a difficult period marked by health challenges and inconsistent results. With her seedings at 24th, Raducanu’s absence from Miami means she will not face compatriot Sonay Kartal in the round of 64. Kartal is set to open her campaign against American Peyton Stearns. The withdrawal leaves Raducanu’s future in the tournament uncertain, as she continues to prioritize her health over competition.#emma_raducanu #miami_open #sonay_kartal #amanda_anisimova #mark_petchey
Emma Raducanu's Miami Open match against fellow British player Sonay Kartal has been canceled as the former US Open champion withdraws from the tournament. Raducanu, seeded 24th, was set to face Kartal in the third round but will not compete due to ongoing health issues. The withdrawal marks her second absence from a tournament in three years, following a similar exit in 2024 after a lower back injury. The cancellation comes as Raducanu continues to deal with the lingering effects of a viral infection she contracted during a recent tournament in the Middle East. She had previously struggled with health problems during the Cluj tournament, where she reached the final. Her absence from the Miami Open is expected to result in a drop in her ranking, which could have long-term implications for her career. Raducanu was anticipated to face Kartal, a close friend and fellow British player, in the tournament. Kartal, who had to first overcome Peyton Stearns in the previous round, was seen as a potential highlight for British fans. However, the matchup will not materialize, leaving fans disappointed. Raducanu’s recent performance at the Indian Wells tournament showed some signs of improvement, as she reached the third round. She lost to Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, acknowledging the gap in power and serve speed between them. “When I'm playing someone at the top like that, I think they have an extra 10 miles an hour on their serve,” she said. She emphasized the need to be more aggressive in matches against top players but admitted there is still room for growth. Raducanu has also been without a full-time coach since splitting with Francisco Roig in January. While she worked with Mark Petchey during the Indian Wells tournament, their partnership is now uncertain following her Miami withdrawal.#emma_raducanu #indian_wells_tournament #miami_open #sonay_kartal #cluj_tournament
Emma Raducanu Seeks First Win at Indian Wells Since 2024 in Opener Against Anastasia Zakharova Emma Raducanu is set to return to the WTA Indian Wells tournament in 2026, aiming to secure her first victory at the event since 2024. The British player will face qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in her opening match, a contest that carries significance as Raducanu looks to regain momentum after a challenging start to the season. Zakharova, who advanced through the qualifying rounds, will be the underdog in this encounter, though she brings confidence from her recent success. The match is scheduled to take place on Stadium 4 at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT), with live coverage available via Sky/Now TV. The tournament, held in Indian Wells, USA, offers a prize pool of $61,865 for the qualifying round, highlighting the competitive nature of the event. Raducanu, seeded for the tournament, will begin her campaign in the second round, where she faces Zakharova, a qualifier with a strong record in lower-tier events. Head-to-head statistics reveal Zakharova holds a slight edge in their previous encounters, with a 1-0 record in ITF matches. However, Raducanu’s recent performance in 2026 suggests she may have the upper hand. In their latest head-to-head comparison, Raducanu leads in key metrics such as first-serve return points won (41.1% vs. 34.9%) and break point conversion (56.1% vs. 36.7%). These figures indicate Raducanu’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, a critical factor in high-stakes matches. Both players are aggressive baseliners, relying on powerful groundstrokes and solid backhands. Raducanu’s first-strike approach contrasts with Zakharova’s preference for long rallies from the back of the court.#emma_raducanu #anastasia_zakharova #wta_indian_wells #stadium_4 #qualifying_round
Emma Raducanu vs Anastasia Zakharova: Score and Updates from Indian Wells Emma Raducanu displayed strong form during her match against Anastasia Zakharova at the Indian Wells tournament. The first set saw Raducanu dominate, winning 6-1. Her powerful serves and precise groundstrokes disrupted Zakharova’s rhythm, with Raducanu securing key break points and maintaining control throughout. Zakharova struggled to adapt, often hitting long forehands and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Raducanu’s ability to return serves effectively and her aggressive baseline play left Zakharova on the back foot, allowing the British player to take the first set comfortably. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Raducanu continuing to assert her dominance. She maintained her composure under pressure, converting multiple break points and holding her serve with authority. Zakharova, despite her efforts to rally, found herself unable to match Raducanu’s pace and precision. Raducanu’s wide serves to the deuce side proved particularly effective, forcing Zakharova into errors. The Russian player’s serve, however, became a point of frustration, with its slow delivery and excessive ball-bounces drawing criticism from commentators. Zakharova’s attempts to counter Raducanu’s strength were met with mixed results, as the Briton’s consistent ball striking kept Zakharova guessing. Raducanu’s performance was further highlighted by her use of a new baby blue Uniqlo kit, which she debuted during the match. The outfit, paired with her trademark confidence on the court, added a stylish touch to her already formidable presence. Her ability to stay focused and execute her game plan under pressure underscored her readiness for high-stakes competition.#tennis #emma_raducanu #anastasia_zakharova #indian_wells #uniqlo
