Emma Raducanu spoke highly of Emma Navarro's game and acknowledged the American will enter their Miami match in a better form before also dropping some major praise on the 2024 US Open semifinalist's personality.
ADVERTISEMENT
In her first Miami match since 2023, the British tennis star routinely handled the business after dominating wildcard Sayaka Ishii 6-2 6-1 in just an hour of play to reach the second round. There, she will meet the eighth-seeded American, who had a first-round bye.
For Raducanu, her win over Ishii was just her second since the Australian Open. On the other side, Navarro won the WTA 500 tournament in Merida earlier this month. When the Briton and the American meet in Miami, it will be the first time they will be clashing against each other.
"It's going to be an extremely challenging match. She's probably in better form, so I can go out and express myself and try and compete for every point... She is a great person. On the Tour, one of the people youd warm to and say 'hi,'" the Briton said of facing Navarro.
ADVERTISEMENT
Raducanu boosted her confidence with a straightforward Miami opening win
The 22-year-old was all business against Ishi as she impressively realized five of six of her break points. Apart from getting broken very early in the first set, the 2021 US Open champion was untouchable on her serve and allowed her rival only one break point.
Im very pleased to have gotten through that. Its not an easy first round, playing someone a bit younger, dangerous and in good form. So Im really proud of how I competed today. It hasnt been easy for me coming into this, but I think I put out a really good performance," Raducanu said after beating Ishi.
If the Briton beats Navarro, it will be her third top-10 win.
