Emma Raduanu offered words of consolation to American opponent McCartney Kessler after the American was forced to retire from their third-round clash at the Miami Open. The British player looked on course to continue her resurgent form as she stormed to the first set 6-1 inside 30 minutes, and then took command of the second.
An early break saw Raducanu go 3-0 up as her opponent appeared physically hampered on court. Citing a back issue, Kessler then walked gingerly towards the umpire and informed him she was unable to continue. Afterwards, the 22-year-old was sympathetic after setting up a last-16 clash with Amanda Anisimova.
“It’s never a way any athlete wants to win the match,” she said. “I wish McCartney a speedy recovery. She’s in such good form and right now and playing so well, playing so aggressive.
“I mean it’s very difficult. We both had long last matches with six in the third (set) and it’s a tough, physical sport. So I just wish her all the best.”
Despite Kessler essentially being the home player, Raducanu was afforded a generous reception both before and after the clash at the the Hard Rock Stadium. The 2021 US Open champion acknowledged that support, having struck up a good relationship with American fans ever since her incredible win at Flushing Meadows.
“Than you to the crowd, the support was great on both sides,” she added. “So I really appreciate it. When I’m playing my best tennis I’m really expressing my personality. I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit so I don’t need restrictions or being told what to do”
Raducanu arrived in Miami having lost five of her last six matches since the Australian Open. Last week, the star ended her short partnership with coach Vladimir Platenik but has defied her situation to show glimpses of the form that saw her break into the world’s top 10 in 2022.
Raducanu will face Anisimova tonight (Monday) after the 17-year-old defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-3. The Russian has risen to sixth in the world rankings after winning the previous two WTA 1,000 events in Indian Wells and Dubai.
