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
Sonay Kartal's Confident Outlook Ahead of Rybakina Match at Indian Wells Sonay Kartal, ranked world No. 54, has made a strong impression at the Indian Wells WTA 1000 tournament, securing her place in the round of 16 with a victory over Madison Keys. The British player, known for her tenacity, now faces a challenging match against Elena Rybakina, the world No. 3, on the California courts. Kartal’s confidence in her abilities has been evident throughout the tournament, and she expressed her belief in her capacity to compete at the highest level. Speaking to the BBC, Kartal emphasized her comfort with the conditions at Indian Wells, despite acknowledging the potential impact of a lingering back issue. She stated, “On these courts, I feel like I can beat anyone, at any time. I'll only withdraw if my back really bothers me too much.” Kartal revealed that her training had been limited the previous day, as she prioritized recovery. Her focus remains on maintaining her fitness to ensure she is ready for the upcoming match against Rybakina. Kartal’s performance in the tournament has been marked by her ability to adapt and execute under pressure. Her victory over Keys, which saw her come from behind to win in three sets, highlighted her resilience and tactical awareness. As she prepares for the clash against Rybakina, the world No. 3, Kartal’s confidence in her game and her determination to compete at the top level are clear. The match promises to be a test of both skill and mental fortitude, with Kartal aiming to continue her impressive run at Indian Wells.#indian_wells #elena_rybakina #sonay_kartal #madison_keys #bbc
Sonay Kartal Faces Elena Rybakina in Fourth Round After Defeating Madison Keys Sonay Kartal advanced to the fourth round of the WTA Indian Wells 2026 tournament after defeating Madison Keys, marking a significant upset. The Turkish player will now face third-seeded Elena Rybakina, a former champion, in the next stage of the competition. This marks their first meeting in the tournament, setting the stage for an intriguing clash. Kartal’s victory over Keys was highlighted as one of the surprises of the event, showcasing her ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. Rybakina, a former champion, brings a strong record into the match, having previously claimed titles in 2023. The fourth-round encounter is scheduled to take place on Stadium 2, with the match starting after 4:30pm local time (11:30pm GMT) on the day of the event. The broadcast will be available on Sky/Now TV, though a subscription is required. The statistical comparison between the two players reveals key differences in their performance. Kartal’s return game statistics are slightly better, with a 38.2% first-serve return points won percentage compared to Rybakina’s 34.2%. Additionally, Kartal’s overall return points won percentage (44.9%) is marginally higher than Rybakina’s 43.5%. However, Rybakina holds an edge in break point conversion, with a 55.5% success rate compared to Kartal’s 49.6%. She also excels in saving break points, with a 67.6% success rate versus Kartal’s 52.2%. In terms of service points, Rybakina’s 64.2% win rate slightly outperforms Kartal’s 61.6%. Rybakina’s playing style relies heavily on her powerful serve, consistent groundstrokes, and height advantage, which allows her to dominate rallies.#elena_rybakina #sonay_kartal #madison_keys #wta_indian_wells_2026 #stadium_2
Kartal Faces Rybakina in BNP Paribas Open Round of 16 Clash Sonay Kartal, ranked 54th in the world, will take on third-seeded Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, March 11. The match, set to be played on a hard court, will be a significant test for Kartal, who is looking to advance past one of the tournament’s top players. Rybakina, the reigning champion, enters the match with strong odds in her favor, as she is listed at -625 to win, while Kartal is +400. The betting odds reflect the perceived strength of both players, with Rybakina’s -625 line indicating she is the heavy favorite. However, the prediction based on the implied probability from the moneyline suggests Kartal has an 86.2% chance to win, which highlights the uncertainty of the matchup. This discrepancy could stem from factors such as Rybakina’s recent performance or Kartal’s potential to disrupt the match. Rybakina’s track record on hard courts provides insight into her strengths. She has a 47.2% conversion rate on break points, ranking sixth in the WTA, and maintains an 82.5% winning percentage in service games compared to a 33.9% return game success rate. Over the past year, she has won three tournaments on hard courts, posting a 37-11 record on the surface. These stats underscore her dominance on the hard court, but they also highlight the challenge Kartal will face. Kartal’s recent performance offers a contrasting perspective. In the WTA Dubai tournament, she was defeated in the Qualification Final by Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 4-6, 3-6. Despite this setback, her hard court statistics remain encouraging. She has converted 92 of 189 break points (48.7%) over the past 12 months and ranks 79th in break points won. Her service game success rate stands at 70.6%, while her return game success rate is 34.2%.#hard_court #wta #bnpparibas_open #elena_rybakina #sonay_kartal
Indian Wells preview: Will Pegula finally solve Bencic? The Indian Wells tournament kicks off with a high-stakes clash between Jessica Pegula and Belinda Bencic, two top players with contrasting histories. Pegula, the 2025 Dubai champion, faces Bencic, a former Abu Dhabi titleholder and new mother, in a match that could define their recent form. The draw also features Elena Rybakina against Sonay Kartal, Katerina Siniakova challenging Elina Svitolina, and Karolina Muchova aiming to upset Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16. Momentum appears to favor the winners of last month’s WTA 1000 events in the Middle East. Muchova, who defeated Antonia Ruzic in straight sets, and Pegula, who rallied from a set and a break down to beat Jelena Ostapenko, headline the action. The Round of 16 also includes Top 10 players Iga Swiatek, Rybakina, and Svitolina, while Siniakova, ranked 44th, stunned defending champion Mirra Andreeva with a dramatic comeback win. Pegula’s path to the Round of 16 was marked by her ability to recover from early deficits, a trait that has earned her 13 comeback wins since the start of last season. However, her record against Bencic remains a challenge—Bencic holds a 4-0 edge in their head-to-head, including an 8-0 record in sets. Pegula acknowledged the difficulty, noting her struggles against Bencic and the need to improve. "I think I have become a much better player over the last six months," she said, expressing confidence in her ability to compete. Bencic, meanwhile, has maintained consistency, dropping just 10 games in her recent match against Elise Mertens. The 28-year-old mother has a strong history at Indian Wells, with a 10-4 record since 2019, including runs to the semifinals and quarterfinals. Her performance against Mertens, a 6-2, 6-3 victory, underscores her resilience.#indian_wells #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #sonay_kartal #belinda_bencic
Diane Parry Reacts to Indian Wells Defeat: 'Disappointed Not to Be 100% Physically' Against Madison Keys Diane Parry’s run at the Indian Wells tournament came to an end in the second round as she fell to Madison Keys in straight sets. The French player, who had previously defeated Venus Williams in a three-set match, faced a stronger opponent in Keys, the world No. 15. Keys secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory in just over an hour and a half, setting her up for a potential clash with Sonay Kartal in the next round. Kartal had already upset Emma Navarro in a three-set thriller. Parry, 23, expressed disappointment after the match, citing physical limitations as a key factor in her loss. During a post-match press conference, she admitted to experiencing minor pains, particularly in her right thigh, which she hoped were not serious. “I’m obviously disappointed to have lost, not to have been able to be 100% physically,” she said. “It’s always frustrating not to be able to go all out against this kind of player. There were still little things that could bother her.” Parry’s defeat marks the end of all French representation in the WTA 1000 event at Indian Wells. Earlier in the tournament, Elsa Jacquemot and Varvara Gracheva had also been eliminated in the first round. Despite her efforts, Parry struggled to match Keys’ intensity, who had previously reached the semifinals in the event. The loss leaves Parry with hopes of recovering quickly, as she aims to build on her earlier victory over Williams. The tournament continued to deliver dramatic results, with other matches showcasing standout performances. Svitolina’s dominant win over Siegemund and Rybakina’s gritty three-set battle against Baptiste highlighted the competitive nature of the event.#indian_wells #sonay_kartal #madison_keys #diane_parry #emma_navarro
Sonay Kartal Faces Madison Keys in Night Match at Indian Wells Sonay Kartal is set to take on Madison Keys in a crucial night match at the Indian Wells tournament, a clash that could shape their paths toward the fourth round. Both players are seeking to build on their recent performances, with Kartal aiming to continue her resurgence and Keys hoping to capitalize on her experience and power. The match promises to be a test of their contrasting styles and mental resilience. Kartal, ranked 54th in the world, has shown signs of a strong comeback, securing back-to-back victories in the tournament. This marks her first major success since reaching the quarter-finals in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Her current form includes a notable run of form in the desert, which has positioned her as a contender for deeper runs. Meanwhile, Keys, the 15th-ranked player and a former Australian Open champion, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful game to the table. Her home-court advantage in Indian Wells adds another layer to the match, as she seeks to maintain her dominance against a rising opponent. The head-to-head record between the two players favors Keys, who holds a 1-0 edge after their only previous encounter. However, Kartal’s recent displays suggest she is not to be underestimated. Her ability to save match points and apply pressure in critical moments has become a key strength. To challenge Keys effectively, Kartal will need to introduce tactical variety and rely on her skill set rather than sheer power, as Keys’ aggressive style and strong return game have proven difficult to counter. Statistical analysis highlights the gap between the two players on hard courts in 2026. Keys excels in nearly every category, including first-serve return points won (40.5% vs. Kartal’s 37.9%), overall return points (45.3% vs. 44.#tennis #indian_wells #sky #sonay_kartal #madison_keys
