Emma Raducanu overcomes injury and nerves to defeat world number 10 Emma Navarro in a dramatic Miami Open clash

Emma Raducanu delivered an unforgettable performance at the Miami Open, fighting past world number 10 Emma Navarro in a tense three-set battle. The 22-year-old British star secured a 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 7-6 (7-3) victory, marking her first win over a top-10 opponent on a hard court.

The match was a test of endurance, mental strength, and resilience. Raducanu started strong, edging a tight first-set tie-break, but Navarro fought back aggressively in the second set, dominating to force a decider.

Momentum seemed to shift completely when Raducanu fell behind 3-1 in the final set and required treatment for a foot injury. Struggling to regain control, she faced break points that could have ended her Miami Open run. But instead of folding, she rallied with fierce determination.

A sudden change in intensity saw Raducanu win four consecutive games, positioning herself to serve for the match at 5-3. Just when victory appeared within reach, she faltered again, allowing Navarro to break back and level at 5-5.

Navarro, now seemingly in control, had a chance to serve out the match at 6-5. But Raducanu refused to give in, breaking back before dominating the tie-break. She sealed the match with a blistering forehand winner, before clasping her hat in disbelief at what she had just achieved.

Speaking after the dramatic victory, Raducanu admitted she was shocked by her own comeback.

“I have no idea how I won that match,” she said. “It was full of ups and downs. We were both fighting so hard.”

The win is particularly significant for Raducanu, who has faced criticism over her resilience since her US Open triumph in 2021.

“It wasn’t pretty, but I had to fight, scrap, and be aggressive,” she added. “This is my best win of the season.”

The victory comes amid uncertainty in her coaching setup. Earlier this week, she ended a trial with Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik, leaving her without a full-time mentor.

Instead, Mark Petchey, a former coach from her teenage years, was seen offering support from her box. Raducanu’s team also included fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura and long-time mentor Jane O’Donoghue.

Despite the ongoing changes in her camp, she remains confident in her ability to make the right decisions.

“I came here with someone, and it didn’t work out. But I have good friends who know my game so well,” she explained. “It’s about trusting your gut, and I think that’s how I got through today.”

With this momentum, Raducanu now faces American McCartney Kessler (ranked 48th) in the last 32. If she maintains this level of grit and determination, her Miami Open journey could be just beginning.