Jessica Pegula has reached her third Miami Open semi-final after overcoming a resurgent Emma Raducanu.
Pegula has led the American success at the Miami Open this year, as the only home player still remaining in the women’s singles draw.
The world number four has overcome some tough opposition to reach the semi-finals, as well as Pegula dealing with a potential fitness issue.
As she looks to reach the final of the Miami Open for the first time, a top tennis coach has spoken about Pegula’s credentials as a potential future Grand Slam champion.
Rick Macci says whether he thinks Jessica Pegula can win a Grand Slam
Pegula beat Raducanu, 6-4 6(3)-7 6-2, hitting an impressive 48 winners in the humid night session match at the Miami Open.
Following the conclusion of the final women’s quarter-final, the former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, took to social media to praise Pegula.
In his post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Macci spoke about how he thought Pegula was one of the best ball strikers without a major title and suggested that she could go onto change that this year.
“Pegula has always been one of the best pure ball strikers on tour not to win a Slam,” said Macci. “She can beat anybody anytime anywhere. One of the most rock solid players off both wings. The Buffalo Blaster could grab a SLAM this year.”
Although she is yet to make that breakthrough just yet, Pegula did reach the US Open final last year before being beaten by Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula has also reached the quarter-finals of all of the other Grand Slam tournaments, with the Australian Open statistically her best performing major.
That did not go to plan this year, with Pegula losing to Olga Danilovic in the the third round in Melbourne.
| Grand Slam | Pegula’s Win-loss Record | Pegula’s Best Result |
| Australian Open | 15-6 (71%) | Quarter-final (2021, 2022 & 2023) |
| Roland Garros | 8-5 (62%) | Quarter-final (2022) |
| Wimbledon | 8-5 (62%) | Quarter-final (2023) |
| US Open | 18-8 (69%) | Final (2024) |
Before she can think about Grand Slams, Pegula will play her Miami Open semi-final against teenage wildcard Alexandra Eala, who stunned Iga Swiatek in her quarter-final.
Rick Macci notices difference in Emma Raducanu at the Miami Open
Macci did not just send compliments to Pegula, but also her quarter-final opponent Raducanu.
Raducanu had her best week since winning the US Open in Miami, as she collected victories over the likes of American players Emma Navarro, Amanda Anisimova and McCartney Kessler.
Pegula proved to be a step too far for the Brit, but Macci believes Raducanu will rise up the ranks again.
When posting on social media about Raducanu, Macci also claimed that he has noticed some changes in the 22-year-old’s demeanour and suggested that he thinks she can add to her Grand Slam tally in the future.
“Emma has felt the difference. Free/flowing smiling/glowing,” said the 70-year-old. “Little things make the biggest difference. She is a champion and have zero doubt she will win multiple titles and grab a Slam. Win or lose Emma has to play her Way and 100% she is on the right Highway.”
As a result of her best WTA 1000 run to date, Raducanu will return to the top 50 following the conclusion of the Miami Open.
However, it is not yet clear what is next for Raducanu, as she looks to take a step back and think about her next move.
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