LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Jessica Pegula says what she thinks Emma Raducanu has struggled with as she assesses her game at the Miami Open

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover

Jessica Pegula has reacted to Emma Raducanu reaching the third round at the Miami Open.

The British number one won back-to-back matches for only the second time this season after outlasting Emma Navarro in three sets.

Raducanu won 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3) to record her first career match-win against a top 10 player on a hard court and only her third on any surface.

Navarro’s compatriot Pegula saw Raducanu secure her biggest win of the season so far, and she is pleased to see her find some form again.

Miami Open Presented by Itau 2025 - Day 4
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

What does Jessica Pegula think Emma Raducanu has struggled with during her career?

Raducanu’s career has been crippled by injury issues and multiple coaching changes since her stunning 2021 US Open title run.

The 22-year-old’s 2025 season has been a frustrating one so far and she had won just three matches before the Miami Open.

Following Raducanu’s victory over Navarro, Jessica Pegula shared what she thinks Raducanu has struggled with, while also praising her abilities when fit.

“When she’s playing at a top level, she belongs with the top players. I just think she struggled a little bit with injuries, finding consistency,” Pegula said.

“It’s tough nowadays, the depth is so good if you can’t really rack in those matches and play a lot and get those wins under your belt it can be really difficult to keep that confidence.

“I can understand why she was probably a little emotional. Winning two matches at a WTA 1000, beating a Top 10 player — that’s massive. Sometimes it takes a physical and mental battle to get through that.

“And in that moment, you’re thinking, `My gosh, how am I going to do this? Not again?’ For her to come back in the third and win the tiebreaker. I’m sure she feels like there’s a monkey off her back.”

Rothesay International Eastbourne - Day Five
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA

Has Jessica Pegula played Emma Raducanu?

Pegula had played against Raducanu on two previous occasions, and they have one win apiece.

Their first battle came at the 2022 Cincinnati Open, when Raducanu emerged victorious against Serena Williams.

Pegula claimed a 7-5, 6-4 victory in their round of 16 encounter on her home turf, and they did not play again until 2024.

This time Raducanu was playing on home soil, and she came from behind to snatch a 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory at the 2024 Eastbourne International.