Briton storms into Miami Open’s last 16 after McCartney Kessler retires with a back injury.
Emma Raducanu barely broke a sweat as she steamrolled her way into the last 16 of the Miami Open, dismantling McCartney Kessler 6-1, 3-0 before the American abruptly retired with a back injury.
Kessler, who showed no visible discomfort throughout the match, suddenly called for the physio, revealing, “Every time I take a shot, there’s more pain.” Rather than attempting treatment, she shook hands with Raducanu and walked off, handing the Briton an easy victory.
Raducanu, 21, kept it professional in her post-match interview, saying, “That’s never the way you want to win. I wish McCartney a speedy recovery.” However, the young star had already dominated proceedings long before Kessler’s sudden exit.
Despite Kessler’s impressive form this season, which included a victory over world No. 3 Coco Gauff and two WTA titles, she struggled against Raducanu’s relentless attack. The Briton broke to love in the first game, showing no mercy against Kessler’s weak second serve, which lacked pace—possibly due to her injury.
The American briefly fought back to level at 1-1, but Raducanu quickly took control, serving three consecutive aces and winning eight straight games. By the time Kessler retired, the match was already slipping beyond her reach.
Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft hailed Raducanu’s performance, saying, “I don’t think I have ever seen her play quite that well.”
Statistically, Raducanu was near-flawless. She committed just six unforced errors compared to Kessler’s 21, and her movement looked sharper than ever.
“I think my movement is pretty good right now,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “I’m defending better, returning well, and improving in all areas. Hopefully, I can keep this stability.”
Adding to her new relaxed approach, Raducanu revealed she had been playing spike ball with her team just minutes before walking onto the court. “It helps me relax. I don’t like being told what to do,” she admitted.
She’ll now face a tougher challenge in the last 16 on Monday, but if her Miami form continues, she could be set for her strongest tournament run in years.
